New legislation in the state of Illinois was passed last week in the IL House of Representatives that would mandate that Asian-American history would be taught in all public elementary schools and in all public high schools throughout the Land of Lincoln.
Illinois House Bill 0376 will call for Asian American history to be included within the current school curriculum within the state. Two historic events that will become mandatory for all public schools to be taught would be when Japanese Americans were placed in internment camps in California during World War II and the service of Asian Americans in the 100th Infantry Battalion and the 442nd Regimental Combat Team in the United States Army during WWII. This bill will change the Illinois School Code beginning in the 2022-2023 school year.
Education in regards to the achievements of Asian Americans in US history would definitely help to prevent children's minds from believing the old stereotypical tropes about Asians. Teaching the truth about Asians would encourage the younger generation not to assault Asians because of misinformation portrayed to the masses about the coronavirus. Feeding on misinformation on COVID-19 has led to an increase of attacks on Asian Americans. There is a 6% increase this year of Asian Americans being sexually harassed, being stalked online and in person, being verbally threatened, and being physically harmed.
The sponsor of this bill is Illinois State Representative Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz, an Asian-American from Glenview. She reveals why she sponsored this legislation.
"We already teach American history. We're not asking you to add anything; we're asking that Illinois public schools teach it inclusively. Inclusion is a choice. So is exclusion. The drafters of current American history curriculum chose not to include Asian Americans in teaching our shared history. (The legislation) ensures that Asian American stories and experiences are taught at a time when anti-Asian racism, discrimination, and xenophobia on the rise."
Unfortunately, none of the Republicans in the Illinois House of Representatives voted for this legislation. Nevertheless, we must continue to look to prevent more Asian-American attacks even when others do not care.
#StopAsianHate
Image is from Pixabay