Asian Americans Advancing Justice — AAJC (Advancing Justice — AAJC) submitted this testimony for the public hearing on HS 922 (“Asian American History Curriculum Requirement”) held on February 25, 2022 by the Ways and Means Committee of the Maryland House in Annapolis, MD. The testimony is in support of HB 922, which seeks to include Asian American history into the history curriculum taught in schools across Maryland.

This guiding document is meant to be used by individuals, community leaders, and organizations who are speaking out in forums from school board meetings to the media about the importance of whole story education. Included are core talking points and anticipated questions with suggested responses.

We believe that it is only through honest, truthful, and inclusive teaching of our history that we can learn America’s full story. This message guidance is meant to be used by individuals and community organizations to build narratives that push back against those who seek to undermine our ability to have honest conversations about our history, learn from our past, and build a more inclusive future. 

Across the country, our ability to learn history truthfully and have honest discussions about diversity, racism, and sexism are under attack. This opposition directly impedes our ability to tell the whole histories of Asian American, Black American, Indigenous, and Latino/Latinx communities in American schools which is necessary to build a more inclusive future for all Americans. Read an overview of these attacks on more inclusive education, as well as highlights of current advocacy efforts from local organizations across the country.