Governor Kathy Hochul has signed legislation (S7855E/A8463-E) aimed at evaluating how Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) history is taught in New York’s social studies curriculum. The new law also establishes an advisory committee to support the development of AANHPI content in schools.
With this move, Governor Hochul seeks to enhance the quality and inclusivity of education for all students in New York by ensuring that historical content related to the AANHPI community is included.
“AANHPI history is New York history, and our classrooms should reflect that fact,” Governor Hochul said. “I am proud to sign legislation affirming our commitment to AANHPI New Yorkers that their story is not just part of, but essential to New York students’ education. This law ensures that students across the state will have the tools to understand and appreciate the impact of these communities on our nation.”
The bill signing aligns with broader efforts by Governor Hochul’s administration to strengthen inclusive history education, including coverage of African American, Indigenous, Holocaust, and AANHPI histories so students gain a more complete understanding of both state and national pasts.
Advocates note that teaching comprehensive cultural histories can help foster empathy among students, reduce bias, and promote a sense of belonging within diverse communities.
Representative Grace Meng commented on the significance of this measure: “I’m thrilled to see this crucial measure become law. Thank you to Governor Hochul for signing the bill and thank you to Senator Liu and Assemblymember Lee for introducing it. In Congress, I have pushed legislation to promote the teaching of AANHPI history in schools across the United States. For generations, AANHPI history has been poorly represented in our education system and social studies textbooks, and it is way past time for that to change. It is critical for our next generation to understand that AANHPI history IS American history. It IS New York history.”
State Senator Shelley B. Mayer expressed her appreciation: “I am grateful that Governor Kathy Hochul has signed legislation to direct a statewide survey on how Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander history is taught in our schools and to establish a dedicated advisory committee to guide this important work. Education is one of our most powerful tools to fight ignorance, discrimination, and hate and this law is a meaningful step to building an education system that is inclusive and accurately reflects all communities. I want to thank my colleagues Senator John Liu and Assembly Member Grace Lee for their leadership in sponsoring this legislation, and Governor Hochul for signing it into law.”
State Senator John Liu added: “In signing the AANHPI Education Equity Act into law, New York is now one step closer to a statewide AANHPI curriculum that would at long last truly validate the lived experiences of Asian Americans in New York. This survey bill is not the endgame, but an important step in that direction by measuring how AANHPI history is currently taught in classrooms, and how it is not. Gaining this understanding will help shape our curriculum in the future so we can make sure the education of all students throughout the state accurately reflects the diverse communities that have shaped it.”
Assemblymember Grace Lee stated: “The AANHPI Education Equity Act is about telling the complete American story. For generations, Asian Americans have helped build this country, yet our histories have too often been left out of our classrooms. This law affirms that our stories matter, that our children belong, and that an inclusive education strengthens our community. I’m grateful to the community advocates for their work on this effort, to Senator John Liu for his partnership and to Governor Hochul for championing an inclusive education that affirms belonging for all students.”
New York City Council Member Linda Lee noted: “More than 1.2 million New Yorkers of AANHPI descent call New York City home, and we have made, and will continue to make vital contributions to the fabric of our city state ,and country . As one of first Korean Americans serve City Council ,I am proud see AANHPI studies included curriculum schools foster more inclusive enriching educational environment .Thank you Governor Hochul signing legislation AANHPI New Yorkers .”
Council Member Sandra Ung also supported these developments: “It is essential that New York classrooms reflect full story communities acknowledge contributions community .This legislation important step toward goal assessing histories currently taught establishing committee support inclusion .I applaud Governor Hochul signing bill thank Senator Liu Assemblymember Lee leadership .”