STATEMENT: Asian Americans and Allies Testify to the State Board of Education on Including Asian American History in the Social Studies Curriculum
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
August 1, 2022
Contact: Saatvik Ahluwalia
saatvik.ahluwalia@gmail.com
Despite over 500 years of history in the US, Asian Americans are rarely mentioned in social studies courses.Texas students deserve to learn accurate and historically accurate accounts of Asian American contributions. Historically accurate education will create a better education system for all.
AUSTIN, TEXAS — The Learn Our Stories Coalition, co-led by Asian Texans for Justice and OCA-Greater Houston, Texas American Federation of Teachers, Texas State Teacher Association, Texas Freedom Network, and more gathered to testify at the State Board of Education’s public hearing for Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills Social Study curriculum review.
Testimony was heard from students, parents, educators, and other advocates to the importance of expanding the ways in which Asian American identities, experiences, and contributions are covered in our Texas K-12 curriculum and the need for an Asian American Studies elective for high school students.
“Asian Americans have been in the United States for over 500 years and Texas students deserve to learn the full scope of the community’s contribution to US history. This year we have a chance to give all students, whether they are white, black, or brown, an opportunity to see how people like them are a critical part of our nation’s journey. An inclusive and historically accurate account of the Asian American journey will benefit all students.”
- Lily Trieu, Interim Executive Director of Asian Texans for Justice
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