Asian American leaders urge New York governor to sign AANHPI education bill

New York State Sen. John Liu (D-16) and Assemblymember Grace Lee (D-65) led a coalition rally at City Hall Wednesday urging Gov. Kathy Hochul to sign the AANHPI Education Equity Act before students return to classrooms.

About the legislation: Liu and Lee’s bill (S7855E/A8463E), which passed both legislative chambers in June, requires the state education commissioner to survey public schools on their teaching of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander history. An advisory committee would be created to guide curriculum improvements statewide.

The measure is part of a broader strategy that includes a companion bill requiring AANHPI curriculum development, though that legislation failed to advance in the Assembly. Several states such as Connecticut, Illinois, Florida, Rhode Island and Wisconsin have enacted similar AAPI history requirements.

What they’re saying: Liu, who chairs the Senate NYC Education Committee, said, “For too long, these stories have been absent from our classroom either by design or willful ignorance.” He added that the bill “ensures we take a clear-eyed look at what is being taught, and what’s not, so that all students can benefit from a more honest and complete understanding of our shared history.”

Meanwhile, Lee emphasized the community’s contributions: “Asian Americans have helped build this country, generation after generation, but our history has too often been ignored, marginalized or erased.” She also stressed education as “one of the most powerful tools we have in fighting hate and ignorance.”

Beyond the classroom: Supporters tie the legislation to the rise of anti-Asian incidents nationwide. Additionally, City University of New York (CUNY) researchers found that inadequate coverage of AANHPI experiences, especially South and Southeast Asian histories, contributes to students feeling like outsiders in their own country.

Hochul has until Dec. 30 to sign the bill.