February 4, 2025
Stop AAPI Hate is among the community groups supporting the legislation advancing AANHPI education in New York.
Albany, NY – Today, the Representing and Empowering Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Community History (REACH) Coalition and its member organizations are excited to announce the reintroduction of legislation seeking to establish a curriculum uplifting AANHPI history and civic impact in the New York State Legislature. Senate Bill 3334 and its companion Assembly Bill 4638, sponsored by Senator John C. Liu (D-16) and Assemblymember Grace Lee (D-65), will be under consideration for the third consecutive legislative session with significant improvements to the proposals.
In the previous two legislative sessions, the bill passed overwhelmingly in the State Senate and amassed 49 co-sponsors across both the Senate and Assembly in 2024. To further increase prospects for passage in 2025, the REACH Coalition worked closely with Senator Liu’s and Assemblymember Lee’s offices this past year to make amendments to the bill that provide for meaningful community involvement in the curriculum development process, ensure responsible curriculum implementation on the district and school level in coordination with existing New York State Education Department standards, and support teacher professional development.
The REACH Coalition was formed in January 2023 to fight for inclusive AANHPI education measures in New York, including bills like S3334. The statewide coalition includes more than 150 students, parents, educators, and advocates, as well as more than 60 community-based organizations fighting for a more representative and inclusive telling of history in our state’s schools. At a time of increased political attacks on the ideas of inclusive education and social justice, it is vital that the experiences and realities of students are reflected in the curricula they study in schools.
The REACH Coalition’s third annual Advocacy Day in support of the AANHPI curriculum bill is set to take place on Tuesday, February 11 at the New York State Capitol in Albany. The Coalition also looks forward to hosting a virtual briefing for legislative staff and members of the press who want to learn more about S3334 in the coming weeks.
The following quotes are attributable to elected officials sponsoring this legislation:
State Senator John Liu, sponsor of S3334: “For far too long, the contributions and struggles of Asian Americans have been marginalized or whitewashed entirely from our classrooms, leaving a void in our understanding of our nation’s true history. Public schools should teach Asian American history because it’s American history and so that we might finally begin to eradicate the anti-Asian hate that has become far too prevalent in recent years. This legislation looks to rectify generations of exclusion by requiring schools to teach about the Asian American experience that has shaped so much of our state and country and continues to do so today.”
Assembly Member Grace Lee, sponsor of S3334’s companion bill in the Assembly : “AANHPI history is American history, reflecting the vibrant cultural fabric of our country. Integrating AANHPI history into our schools is a vital step toward fostering greater appreciation and inclusivity, helping students value the diverse fabric of American society. By bringing to light the contributions, challenges, and resilience of AANHPI communities in the United States, we offer students a more complete and accurate portrayal of our nation’s history while inspiring them to build a more just and equitable future. As the Assembly sponsor of this bill, I am honored to work alongside Senator John Liu and the REACH Coalition as we push for its passage in this year’s session.”
The following quotes are attributable to individual and organizational representatives of the REACH Coalition steering committee:
Shreya Sunderram, K-12 Director for the Localized History Project of the Asian American / Asian Research Institute and member of the REACH Coalition’s Steering Committee: “As a former NYC high school history teacher, I have seen the ways that history curriculum can either serve as sites of harm that make young people feel invisible; or history curriculum can serve as a site of empowerment. It is my hope that every young person sees themselves represented in history classrooms, and that our classrooms become sites of liberatory memory work where we build connection, community, and belonging. This bill is critical in moving us in that direction.”
Mohamed Q. Amin, Founder and Executive Director of the Caribbean Equality Project and member of the REACH Coalition’s Steering Committee: “Indo-Caribbean history is Asian American history. For two consecutive years, the REACH AANHPI curriculum bill passed the New York Senate, signaling a monumental legislative victory in creating a pathway for amplifying the diversity and intersectionality of NY’s Asian American communities. New York is home to the largest Indo-Caribbean foreign-born population in the United States, many of whom live in immigrant communities like Schenectady, Richmond Hill and South Ozone Park in Queens, East New York in Brooklyn, and Castle Hill and Wakefield in the Bronx. Teaching Indo-Caribbean history is critical in honoring the legacy, struggles, and resilience of thousands of indentured laborers trafficked to the Caribbean and the double migration of their descendants who now call New York home. These descendants now contribute to the ethnic diversity and economy of New York, which fosters cultural competency, strengthens cross-racial solidarity, combats anti-Asian hate violence, builds political power, and ensures representation in public education. Asian American history matters! New York state must teach a curriculum that reflects the ethnic and racial diversity of the classrooms. In this legislative session, we call on the New York State Senate and Assembly to stand with Asian American students and families by fortifying our state to create access to equity, diversity, and inclusion through education by passing the AANHPI curriculum bill.”
Anita Gundanna and Vanessa Leung, Co-Executive Directors of the Coalition for Asian American Children and Families (CACF) and members of the REACH Coalition’s Steering Committee: “CACF is eager to work with our fellow members of the REACH Coalition to make 2025 the year an AANHPI history and civic curriculum bill is signed into law in New York state. At a time when so many AANHPI groups continue to be othered and scapegoated, CACF believes that learning the rich and diverse histories of AANHPI communities in school is a vital step to combatting both the ‘perpetual foreigner’ and ‘model minority’ myths that stubbornly persist in the United States. Public school students of all backgrounds deserve to learn the rich and diverse histories of AANHPI communities as part of an inclusive curriculum that combats the harmful stereotypes we continue to see in discourse today.”
Brianna Cea, VP of Public Affairs of OCA-National, Immediate Past President of OCA-NY, and REACH Coalition Co-Founder: “OCA-NY and REACH are thrilled to continue the fight for an inclusive AANHPI curriculum to be taught in schools across New York state, particularly in light of continued attacks on DEI and federal actions that threaten the safety of our communities. We commend Senator John Liu and Assemblymember Grace Lee for introducing strong legislation that can combat Anti-Asian hate and foster acceptance and inclusivity amongst our youth. It is more important now than ever before that we work with our leaders in Albany to continue the momentum for an inclusive curriculum that reflects our diverse communities and classrooms.”
Kenny Nguyen, Advocacy Manager of Stop AAPI Hate and Administrative Chair of the REACH Coalition: “AAPI communities are still facing alarming levels of racism five years after the surge of COVID-19-related hate that President Trump stoked by scapegoating Asian people. That’s why it’s critical to invest in long-term solutions, like education, that tackle racism at its root and prevent acts of hate from happening in the first place. In fact, Stop AAPI Hate’s research shows that our communities believe teaching AANHPI history is one of the most effective ways to combat hate. As public figures like Trump continue to normalize bigotry, it’s more urgent than ever that we support legislation like S3334 that will help reinforce the full humanity of AAPIs and ultimately create a stronger, more unified society.”
Harmeet Kaur Kamboj, Senior State Policy Manager of the Sikh Coalition and Co-Chair of the REACH Coalition’s Legislative and Policy Subcommittee: “It is an honor to advocate for this important piece of legislation for the third year in a row. With the ongoing rise of hate and discrimination against marginalized communities as well as continued politicized attacks on the very idea of inclusive education, it’s more critical than ever to ensure that children have access to curricula that help them make positive associations with the diverse students around them and stave off the kinds of ignorance and bias that can fester into bigotry and even hate in adulthood.”
Beatrice Chen, Executive Director of Immigrant Social Services (ISS) and member of the REACH Coalition’s Steering Committee: “As a nonprofit dedicated to supporting the growth and development of youth from immigrant families, ISS is proud to be a steering committee member of REACH Coalition as we head into our third year of advocacy. AANHPI history is American history, and it’s time that our schools reflect that reality. By passing AANHPI Studies legislation, we’re empowering the next generation with the tools to celebrate diversity, dismantle stereotypes, and build a more inclusive future.”
Simone Jhingoor and Shivana Jorawar, Co-Directors of Jahajee and members of the REACH Coalition’s Steering Committee: “Indo-Caribbean communities, descendants of indentured laborers from India, have shaped New York City’s cultural, social, and economic life for generations, yet our history remains largely absent from mainstream education. The REACH bill is a critical step toward changing this, and Jahajee is proud to advocate for a curriculum that recognizes our community’s contributions and empowers future generations. By fostering pride in Indo-Caribbean heritage and promoting empathy and cultural appreciation, this initiative enriches all students’ understanding of New York City’s diversity and our shared history.”
Richard In, Executive Director of Korean American Civic Empowerment (KACE) and member of the REACH Coalition’s Steering Committee: “AANHPI history is American history. AANHPI history covers the many contributions and histories of individuals and movements that helped shape this country that led the way for the rights and privileges we all enjoy today. From fighting for American Independence, to rallying support for women’s right to vote, and even serving as American diplomats and leaders of this nation, the AANHPI community has been here the entire time and have contributed to this country for centuries. Passing legislation to include AANHPI history curriculum in our schools is a step in the right direction in building up a strong and robust education that benefits all students.”
Clifford Robin Temprosa, Director of Public Policy for the National Federation of Filipino American Associations: “The stories of AAPI communities are intertwined into the fabric of New York and the country. We must confront injustice and challenge the systems that blur the truth about AANHPI history with equal measure of strength, will, and devotion. We need to reimagine an ecosystem in which the diversity of our cultures, histories, and stories become permanent sources of education and power. We are excited to redefine our commitment to ensure inclusive curriculum is within our reach.”
Marjorie Hsu, Advisory Board Member of the New York AAPI Commission: “AANHPI history and civics education are integral to our American history and future. While important to our children and community to elevate their sense of belonging by seeing themselves in our country’s progress, struggles and accomplishments, it is equally important for the broader society to learn and appreciate that AANHPI have been in America since the earliest days of our rich history. AANHPI are the fastest growing demographic in New York, the United States, and North America: Let’s learn, respect, and celebrate the strength of our people and contributions.”
Iman Mergen, Founder and Executive Director of We Belong Here NY: “We Belong Here NY is a proud member of the REACH Coalition, which is calling for the development of AANHPI curriculum for New York State schools. We recognize that the coalition’s efforts to promote inclusive and diverse curricula in New York state schools serve as a long-term preventive measure against bullying, violence, and hate. A main component of We Belong Here NY’s work in response to the resurgence of hate crimes in the AANHPI/Muslim community in 2021 and 2023, is to uplift truthful narratives of the AANHPI and Muslim American community in New York. The coalition’s collective advocacy for this legislation is an essential first step to counter misrepresentation and lack of understanding and knowledge of AANHPI American contributions and history across New York state.”
Shivani Parikh, Executive Director of the South Asian Legal Defense Fund: “The reintroduction of AANHPI curriculum legislation marks a pivotal step toward an inclusive education system that reflects the diversity and richness of New York state. South Asian Americans have long been a vital part of this tapestry, yet our histories and contributions are often overlooked in classrooms. By ensuring that K-12 students learn about the stories, struggles, and achievements of AANHPI communities, this bill not only combats ignorance but also fosters mutual respect and understanding, which is foundational to advancing civil rights. The South Asian Legal Defense Fund proudly supports this initiative and stands with the REACH Coalition to champion a future where all students see themselves represented in the narratives that shape our collective identity.”
Mohammed Fahim, New York Youth Action Board Member of the Asian American / Asian Research Institute: “I recognize how my experiences are part of a larger narrative of South Asian immigrants in America. The history of Bengali migration is intertwined with significant events, such as the Partition of India and the Liberation War of Bangladesh. These events shaped not only my family’s journey but also the broader context of identity and belonging within the diaspora.”
Szuchi Amy Tai, Co-Deputy Director of Garden of Hope: “As an AAPI social service agency serving immigrant communities across New York City, Garden of Hope strongly supports the reintroduction of this bill. An AANHPI curriculum in K-12 schools will promote inclusion, empower students, and ensure that diverse histories and perspectives are accurately represented in education.”
Cathleen Hwang, Youth Educator at the Glow Cultural Center: “In this global world, youth value their own culture as well as others are more likely to work together glow together. Human history is for all to review and learn from.”
Morgan Matayoshi, Artist Activist: “The history of my Japanese American family was one paragraph in our history books, but my grandmother was in camp for three years of her life. Maybe we won’t have to fight discrimination so hard if we educate our country on how to prevent it. Put our history in the books.”
Dr. Jenny Banh, Assoc. Prof of Anthropology and Asian American Studies at Fresno State: “Asian Americans have had a huge impact in the development of the United States. To study Asian American History is to understand America in 2025. From Birthright Citizenship United States v. Wong Kim Ark (1898) and 1882 Chinese Exclusion Act to hate rhetoric, every student needs to study Asian American history.”
