On December 18, 2025, New York Governor Kathy Hochul officially signed the “Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Educational Equity Act” (S7855E/A8463-E). This act authorizes the State Department of Education to comprehensively review the teaching status of AAPI history in social studies curricula in public schools statewide. It also establishes a consultation committee to provide recommendations for future curriculum content and policy directions. The state government stated that this action demonstrates New York’s continued commitment to promoting diverse historical education policies.
Hochul emphasized that AAPI history is not only New York’s history but an inseparable part of American history as well. She stressed the importance of helping students understand and respect the contributions of various ethnic groups to the state and the nation. This, she believes, will lead to a more complete and accurate historical perspective, promote cross-cultural understanding, and reduce biases and discrimination. The state government explained that this legislation is part of a broader inclusive education policy, running parallel to historical education regarding African Americans, Indigenous peoples, and the Holocaust, aimed at enhancing overall educational quality.
State Assemblyman Peter Lee, one of the co-sponsors of the bill, said, “The AAPI Educational Equity Act aims to tell the complete American story. For generations, Asian Americans have contributed to building this country, yet our history has often been excluded from the classroom. This bill acknowledges the importance of our stories, ensuring that our children feel a sense of belonging, and inclusive education can strengthen our communities.”
Congresswoman Jane Meng expressed, “I am delighted to see this crucial bill become law at last.” City Councilwoman Minyi Huang stated, “New York’s classrooms must reflect our community’s history in its entirety, acknowledging the contributions of Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders, and Hawaiian natives (AAPI) is crucial.”
Several elected officials and education advocacy groups have voiced their support for the signing of the bill, believing that the long-overlooked AAPI history has finally gained institutional recognition. This recognition is expected to help students from different backgrounds see their own stories and those of others in the classroom, fostering a sense of belonging and community cohesion.