A bill in support of teaching Asian American history in Wisconsin schools moves forward 20 years after it was first introduced

Historic. It’s how State Representative Francesca Hong describes the full assembly’s vote on a bill to include teaching the history of Asian American culture alongside Native American and African American heritage in classrooms across Wisconsin. Representative Hong joined Matenaer on Air Wednesday morning to discuss the bill.

We have parents, students, teachers asking for this knowing we can all benefit from learning each other’s stories. We live in a diverse, global world, and this would only enhance what we can learn from each other.

State Representative Francesca Hong (D-76AD)

Why call the vote historic? It isn’t the first time this bill is in front of lawmakers. Originally introduced in 2012, and again in 2017, the measure stalled each time.

“It’s historical because we were finally able to get a full Assembly vote on the bill,” Hong says. “Now we’re waiting on the Senate to move this forward.”

“Why would there be any arguments against this,” Matenaer asks, while pointing out there are a handful of schools in the state with Asian American history as part of the curriculum.

“Many of my Republican colleagues don’t answer to their constituents,” Hong says. “We have parents, students, teachers asking for this knowing we can all benefit from learning each other’s stories. We live in a diverse, global world, and this would only enhance what we can learn from each other.”

“Asian Americans and Hmong are part of the third largest population in Wisconsin,” Greg Bach, Matenaer’s co-host, adds. “Seeing young kids of color and learning about everyone’s culture and history is a positive force. So why not do this?”

Hong believes there’s a new generation of people who are proud to share their stories, while in the past, there may have been some shame in discussing the experience of a different culture.

“The fear of sharing their personal history will be diminished,” Hong says. “Everyone will benefit by learning more about each other. And with public schools as a central part of every Wisconsin community, sharing this type of knowledge can make the economy stronger, families stronger. It’s really a benefit to everyone.”

Hong also tells Matenaer, that there’s one comment from a state resident in support of the bill, she will never forget. “Education is a window and a mirror,” Hong says. “This person simply explaining how powerful it would be for students to see themselves in their textbooks and stories.”

You can watch the full conversation here: