New Jersey becomes second state to require Asian American, Pacific Islander history be taught in schools

New Jersey will soon require Asian American and Pacific Islander history in their curriculum starting in the next school year.

Governor Phil Murphy signed the legislation on Tuesday that would make this new curriculum mandatory for K-12 students. According to CNN, New Jersey will become the second state in the nation to require the curriculum change. Illinois was the first.

Murphy released a statement saying, “By teaching students about the history and heritage of our AAPI community, we can ensure that the diversity of our state is reflected in our curriculum and create a more tolerant and knowledgeable future for New Jersey. I am proud to sign these bills into law.”

In addition, another law will establish a Commission for Asian American Heritage within the New Jersey Department of Education. The commission will be providing guidance for the “implementation of historical, cultural and educational programs concerning people of Asian and Asian American descent.” 

Kani Ilangovan, the founder of Make Us Visible NJ, an advocacy group that has been pushing for a new curriculum. “It feels like we are fulfilling our slogan, making ourselves visible,” she said.

“My hope is that people come to learn the history that I only learned in the past year of all the different ways Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have contributed to the building of this country.”