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AANHPI history coalition celebrates passing of Education Equity Bill
The bill mandates the examination of the teaching of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) history in public schools.
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Jeffin T. Kaleekal - Fri, 29, Aug 2025
- 02:41 EDT
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The attendees celebrated the passing of the AANHPI Education Equity Bill and urged the Governor to sign the Bill into law / Courtesy photo
The R.E.A.C.H. (Representing and Empowering AANHPI Community History) Coalition hosted a community rally and press conference on Aug. 27, celebrating the passage of the AANHPI Education Equity Bill. The coalition also sought to urge Governor Kathy Hochul to sign the bill into law.
In June 2025, the New York State Senate and Assembly passed legislation, introduced by Assembly Member Grace Lee and Senator John Liu, to examine the teaching of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) history in public schools and establish an advisory committee to recommend ways to integrate this curriculum. The bill awaits the Governor’s signature.
The event featured State Senator John Liu, Assemblymember Grace Lee, educators, students, and community leaders who celebrated the passing of the law and highlighted the urgent need for its implementation.
ALSO READ: New playbook protects AANHPI access to higher education
State Senator John Liu, Chair of the Senate NYC Education Committee noted, “As our kids head back to school, we must ensure that what they learn reflects the true history of New York’s diverse AANHPI communities, which have shaped our state and nation for generations.”
He added, “For too long, these stories have been absent from our classroom either by design or willful ignorance. This legislation 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.”
Assemblymember Grace Lee, who worked with Senator Liu to push the bill fowarward, highlighted the contributions of the Asian American community and said, “Asian Americans have helped build this country, generation after generation, but our history has too often been ignored, marginalized or erased.”
She further said, “Education is one of the most powerful tools we have in fighting hate and ignorance. Today, we celebrate a critical milestone toward inclusive education with the passage of the AANHPI Education Equity Act. This bill affirms that our stories matter and that our community deserves recognition. Now we urge Governor Hochul to sign this bill into law."
“This landmark legislation responds to generations of AANHPI communities whose histories have been overlooked in classrooms, despite their deep roots in New York,” said John J. Chin, Dean of CUNY’s Asian American/Asian Research Institute (AAARI). “At AAARI, through efforts like our Localized History Project, we’ve seen how access to community-centered histories can empower students, affirm a sense of belonging, and foster a more inclusive society. This law brings that promise within reach for schools across the state.”
“CACF strongly urges Governor Hochul to sign the AANHPI Education Equity Act into law,” said Anita Gundanna and Vanessa Leung, Co-Executive Directors of the Coalition for Asian American Children and Families (CACF), a co-founder of the R.E.A.C.H. Coalition.
Simone Jhingoor, Co-Executive Director of JAHAJEE: Gender Justice for Indo-Caribbeans, echoed similar sentiments and said, "For generations, AANHPI students have been made invisible in school curricula, leaving our struggles and contributions erased. This legislation will ensure that our young people see themselves reflected in the classroom, fostering a strong sense of self, identity, pride and belonging."
Founded in January 2023, the R.E.A.C.H Coalition unites over 170 students, parents, educators, and advocates, along with more than 60 community organizations, to champion inclusive education on Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander history across the state.
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