Murphy signs bills making NJ second state to implement Asian American studies curriculum

New Jersey is now the second state to implement Asian American studies in its public schools. Gov. Phil Murphy on Tuesday signed the bills into law after the state Senate and Assembly voted overwhelmingly for them. 

New Jersey joins Illinois in mandating instruction of Asian American history for all K-12 students. The measure allows local boards of education to pick instructional materials, but a proposed Commission on Asian Heritage in the state Education Department may also assist in the process. 

The combined legislation will ensure that the contributions, history and heritage of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are included in the New Jersey Student Learning Standards for Social Studies for students as well as establishing the Commission for Asian American Heritage within the Department of Education. 

“The members of our Asian American Pacific Islander community have contributed so much to our state and nation,” Murphy said in a statement. “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.”

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Expanding education is important with the prevalence of hate crimes against the Asian American and Pacific Islander community, which has been scapegoated for the coronavirus pandemic, said Kani Ilangovan with Make Us Visible New Jersey.

"All children deserve to know they belong. All children deserve to feel safe," Ilangovan said. "This law will help ensure Asian Americans are represented in our great American story."

According to the latest nonprofit Stop AAPI Hate report, one in three Asian Pacific parents said their child experienced a hate incident in school in this past year.

"With the rise of anti-Asian violence, education is the best antidote to hate," Ilangovan said. 

Incorporating instruction on the history and contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders means that New Jersey schools can provide a curriculum that reflects the diversity of the state, said Angelica Allen-McMillan, acting state commissioner of education.

Ilangovan noted that the focus will be on Asian American history, which is currently not taught in public schools. 

Mary Chao 趙 慶 華 covers the Asian community and real estate for NorthJersey.com. To get unlimited access to the latest news out of North Jersey, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.

Email: mchao@northjersey.com