Bill Signed Requiring Asian American History To Be Taught In RI Schools

RHODE ISLAND — Gov. Dan McKee signed a bill requiring public schools in Rhode Island to teach Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander history and culture.

The bill signing took place during the opening ceremonies of the Rhode Island Chinese Dragon Boat Races and Taiwan Day Festival in Pawtucket on Saturday.

The legislation (2022-S 2910A, 2022-H 7272A) requires every public elementary school and secondary school, beginning in the 2023-24 school year, to include in its curriculum a unit of instruction studying the events of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander history, including the history of those groups in Rhode Island and the Northeast, as well as their contributions toward advancing civil rights.

"Rhode Island's strength is in its diversity, and this important legislation will do so much to highlight the rich history and heritage of the Asian American community and the positive impact they've had on our state and country," McKee said in a statement. "I thank the bill sponsors and advocates who made sure that this bill passed this past session, and it is an honor to sign it at the annual Rhode Island Chinese Dragon Boat Races and Taiwan Day Festival, one of our state's signature celebrations of Asian culture."

The bill passed with some bipartisan support, including from state Rep. Barbara Ann Fenton-Fung (R-Cranston).

"When talking to Asian American students about this bill, they told me they had never been assigned material to read by an Asian American author and that they had never learned about their history or culture in school," Fung said. "Combined with the rising bias against Asian Americans, there is a clear need to break this cycle of cultural misunderstandings and this legislation is a good first step in that direction, acknowledging and celebrating the instrumental role that Asian Americans have had in our state, country and culture."