There are more than 100,000 K-12 Asian American students in Illinois. During the time of COVID-19, as racism and anti-Asian sentiment has increased across the country, it is crucial to pass legislation that highlights Asian American stories and experiences. The Illinois School Code currently does not require that Asian American history be taught in public schools, allowing the perpetuation of stereotypes surrounding Asian American communities and erasing the legacy of Asian American contributions to the development of this country.  

The Illinois General Assembly will be voting on new bills this legislative session. Asian Americans Advancing Justice | Chicago has introduced the Teaching Equitable Asian American Community History (TEAACH) Act, sponsored by Representative Gong-Gershowitz and Senator Villivalam, which requires that all Illinois public schools teach Asian American history in classrooms in order to highlight the diverse experiences and contributions of Asian Americans. Take action to support the passage of the TEAACH Act by contacting your state legislators today!

What Would TEAACH Do?

• Add a new section to the Illinois School Code specifically requiring that Asian American history is taught in public schools, including the contribution of Asian Americans to Illinois and the Midwest, civil rights, and the development of the United States.

• TEAACH also pairs with the five-hour PBS film series and K-12 curricula, compliant with Common Core and National Standards, designed to be easily adopted into lesson plans and curricula.