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New Jayapal bill targets AANHPI education data gaps
The Act would require schools and education agencies to collect and report student data across 15 Asian American and six Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander subgroups.
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Jeffin T. Kaleekal - Mon, 01, Jun 2026
- 04:25 EDT
- 47
Pramila Jayapal / X (Pramila Jayapal)
U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal recently introduced legislation that would require schools to collect and report more detailed data about Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander students, instead of grouping them all into one broad category.
Titled the "All Students Count Act," the legislation aims to ensure that AANHPI student groups are better accounted for and supported by schools across the country.
Jayapal, who partnered with U.S. Sen. Mazie K. Hirono on the bill, highlighted a deeply personal connection to her proposed legislation.
She said, "As someone who came to this country alone at 16 with nothing in my pockets, I deeply understand the unique challenges in the U.S. education system that immigrant communities face."
She added, "Our students deserve visibility at all levels. By ensuring that student data collections capture the diverse experiences of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander children, we can work to close the education gap in our communities."
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If enacted, the Act would require schools and education agencies to collect and report student data across 15 Asian American and six Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander subgroups.
The bill would take effect 18 months after enactment, giving states and school districts time to update their data collection systems and methodologies.
"In Hawaii, we celebrate our diverse communities and recognize the differences in their backgrounds, experiences and challenges faced. By disaggregating AANHPI student data, this legislation helps schools better understand and address students' individual needs," said Sen. Hirono.
She added, "As this regime continues its attacks on diversity, I will continue fighting to ensure all students feel recognized and supported in the classroom."
The bill has found backing from numerous community organizations, including the South Asian Public Health Association and the Sikh Coalition.
Additionally, the bill is supported by Indian American U.S. Rep. Ro Khanna, along with many other members of Congress and senators.
Announcing the news on X, Jayapal said, "The AANHPI community is not a monolith."
She continued, "I introduced legislation with Senator Mazie K. Hirono to ensure our students get the visibility they deserve by disaggregating data collection on AANHPI children, so we can close gaps in education and better serve students."
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