Could one of the answers to fighting anti-Asian violence come in the classroom? That’s one of the ideas behind a new bill in the New York State legislature that would require public schools to teach Asian American Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander history. After a resurgence in attacks against Asian Americans in the wake of the pandemic, what students learn in the classroom could help extinguish the hate. And there would be other benefits as well.
Studies show that inclusive curriculum and culturally responsive teaching builds self-esteem, resilience, and academic engagement among students who finally get to see themselves in the lessons they learn. And it reduces bullying and harassment fueled by ignorance, helping young people grow into adults who embrace diversity.
We talk about all of this with Kenny Nguyen, Director of Youth Programs at the NYCLU’s Education Policy Center, and Kulsoom Tapal, the Education Policy Coordinator at the Coalition for Asian American Children and Families (CACF). We also hear a quick intro from recent New York City High School graduate Jonathan Lam.
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Resources:
Tell legislators to pass the AANHPI history bill: https://action.aclu.org/send-message/teach-inclusive-aanhpi-history-schools
Read Kenny's blog on the bill: https://www.nyclu.org/en/news/critical-way-counter-anti-asian-hate-0
Join the coalition fighting for this legislation: https://bit.ly/JOINREACH
For more on everything we discuss in this episode, visit https://www.nyclu.org/
For transcripts and additional information on the episodes, visit nyclu.org/en/rightsthisway.
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