Press

Two local state senators introduce legislation for AAPI curriculum to fight anti-Asian hate

By Nydia Han and Heather Grubola
Tuesday, October 3, 2023

"PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Two local state senators have introduced a bill to create a more inclusive curriculum, saying it would reflect the diversity of Pennsylvania and help fight anti-Asian hate.

" 'It is so important to be able to see yourself and for other people to be able to see you. And so this would direct the State Board of Education to develop an inclusive Asian American and Pacific Islander curriculum,' said State Senator Nikil Saval, (D) Pennsylvania District 1."

[Conestoga High School] Asian American Culture Club partners with Make Us Visible

by Jeffrey Heng, Staff Reporter | April 25, 2023

...Conestoga’s Asian American Culture Club sponsored [MUVPA co-Director Kenneth] Hong in February as a guest speaker, who worked with club members to create postcards to send to state representatives and spread awareness of AAPI advocacy.

“I think working with Make Us Visible gives students that idea of what’s out there,” AACC club adviser and history teacher Stephanie Matula said. “We have a growing Asian American population, and it’s important there is representation and visibility in curriculum. (I’m) hoping that in the future we can try to make different steps in Conestoga to have a wider array of representation.”

The AACC plans to have more cultural activities throughout April in preparation for AAPI Heritage Month in May, including a spirit week, bake sale and guest presentation. Hong believes that normalizing the presence of Asian American culture in the community is an important cause...

Read the complete article at The SPOKE.

Senators Collett & Saval Unveil Legislation to Fight Anti-Asian Discrimination with More Robust Education

"Harrisburg, Pa. − May 31, 2022 − In an effort to improve education and fight the recent rise in bias crimes against people of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) descent in the Commonwealth, State Senators Maria Collett (D12-Montgomery/Bucks) and Nikil Saval (D-1 Philadelphia) have circulated a memorandum for co-sponsorship for legislation that would commission and urge schools to incorporate AAPI curriculums and materials."

Read the Senators' entire press release.

State Rep. Patty Kim stands with State Sen. Nikil Saval, Rep. Todd Stephens, Stephanie Sun (Exec. Dir. Governor's Advisory Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs), Make Us Visible PA's Ji Denise Hellenbrand and other supporters of HB 1917 at the Capitol Rotunda in Harrisburg on May 23, 2022.
(Credit: Joe Hellenbrand / Make Us Visible PA)

‘This is Something We Need:’ Rally Held in Harrisburg to Integrate AAPI Studies into Public School Curricula

By Hannah Nguyen
Tuesday, May 24rd 2022

"I hope and encourage every school district to go ahead and teach these important lessons so that our students can understand the terrific contributions of Asian Americans here in America,” said state Rep. Todd Stephens, who co-sponsored the bill."

Educate to Combat Hate: Advocates Rally for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

By Brendan Scanland
Monday, May 23rd 2022, 5:26 PM EDT

Updated: Monday, May 23rd 2022, 5:27 PM EDT

"HARRISBURG, Pa. (WICU) - ... “We need to educate to combat the hate,” said State Representative Patty Kim (D-Dauphin).

"Rep. Kim is the sponsor of House Bill 1917. The bipartisan legislation would require the Department of Education to develop a K-12 curriculum that includes AAPI history, as well as AAPI contributions to American society. "

Pennsylvania parents, students push for AAPI education in K-12 classrooms

By Nydia Han
Tuesday, May 24, 2022 11:06AM

"HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania (WPVI) -- Pennsylvania parents and students rallied on the Capitol Steps in Harrisburg on Monday in support of the AAPI History Inclusion Act. The bill calls for the inclusion of Asian American and Pacific Islanders studies in schools and is co-sponsored by one of our local lawmakers."