WASHINGTON STATE – A new bill is under consideration that would require public schools to teach more diverse histories in classrooms. This proposal aims to integrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, Latino American and Black American history into existing social studies courses.
Angelie Chong, Director of Make Us Visible Washington, emphasized the importance of this bill.
“This bill gives hope and affirms that are communities are part of the American story…. and are part of Washington’s story,” Chong said.
Senator T’wina Nobles from the 28th Legislative District highlighted the significance of these communities.
“Washington is home to one of the country’s largest Asian American and Pacific Islander populations. And our Latino American and black American communities have played a defining role in building this state and this nation. Yet too often, all of this histories are minimized or distorted or left out and oftentimes very intentionally. We want to make sure that these stories are included in our classrooms all across our state,” Nobles said.
Rather than creating standalone courses, the legislation calls for the material to be integrated into existing history classes. School districts would start teaching these lessons in the 2029-2030 school year.
The bill is scheduled to have another public hearing in February.
