Sangamon Sun

Illinois State Board of Education Superintendent Dr. Carmen Ayala joined educators from various backgrounds to laud Illinois as the first state in the country to require teaching a unit of Asian-American history in schools.

Ayala believes in the power of inclusive education. According to her, connecting history to students’ own lives and the diverse world they see around them can help them learn about the past, shaping a more equitable present and future for all.

"I'm proud that our state has become the first state to ensure that all of our students will learn about the history, culture and contributions of Asian-Americans," Ayala said. "I know that our lawmakers heard some heartbreaking testimony from Asian students who fervently hope that this new law will improve the experience of all children who follow them into the classrooms."

Ayala also pointed out the significance of the law amid the rising population of Asian-American students in Illinois.

"Asian-Americans are the second-fastest-growing demographic group in the nation with a population of about 800,000 right here in Illinois,” she said. “Asian-American students are the only ethnic demographic group that has seen an increase in enrollment year-over-year for the past 10 years."

She also underscored that when students are aware of diverse cultures, they are able to appreciate people and better thrive in a global social economy.

“I strongly believe in the intrinsic value of sharing the stories and the contributions of our cultures that weave the beautiful tapestry of our state and of our nation,” Ayala said. “Our country and our state are the results of the sacrifices and the contributions from all sorts of individuals, individuals of different races, cultures, and religions, people who speak many different languages, eat different foods, and celebrate different holidays. But for too long history education, the official ledger of those contributions, has been incomplete, and therefore has been inaccurate.”

Ayala pledged that her agency, together with various stakeholders, will support the measure.

She hopes that students get to learn about the inspiring story of Chicago's first Asian-American school principal — Sam Saburo Ozaki.

SB0648 “Provides that the teaching of history of the United States shall include the study of the wrongful incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II and the heroic service of the 100th Infantry Battalion and the 442nd Regimental Combat Team of the United States Army during World War II.”