How Connecticut became the first state to require — and fund — teaching Asian American history

Connecticut has become the first state to pass a state-funded mandate to teach Asian American and Pacific Islander history in public schools at all levels.

Connecticut has become the first state to pass a state-funded mandate to teach Asian American and Pacific Islander history in public schools at all levels.

The requirement is part of a bill Gov. Ned Lamont, a Democrat, signed into law May 24 after it passed near-unanimously in the Senate and with overwhelming bipartisan support in the House. It allocates more than $140,000 toward salary and other costs dedicated to helping local and regional school boards develop curricula focusing on Asian American history and contributions to the development of the United States.

Though the amount is a small portion of the state’s $24.2 billion budget for the next fiscal year, advocates say what’s significant is that it’s the first fiscal commitment by a state to implement AAPI education.

State Rep. Kathleen McCarty, a Republican who serves as ranking member of the state Education Committee, said addressing issues such as racial prejudice requires working together across the political aisle and listening to advocates.

"It is really very important for our students to understand the major contributions that have taken place, because education is so vital to correcting false understanding and bias," McCarty said. "I’m interested in learning more, so I think others will also be."

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/asian-america/connecticut-became-first-require-fund-teaching-asian-american-history-rcna27113


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