Asian American history to be taught in all Illinois public schools

State will be first in US to ensure students learn about Asian Americans' contributions to the nation's culture and history

With the backdrop of anti-Asian violence increasing nationally during the coronavirus pandemic, Illinois has become the first state to require Asian American history be taught as part of the public school curriculum.

Governor JB Pritzker signed the Teaching Equitable Asian American History (Teaach) Act into law on Friday last week, which requires elementary and high schools to teach a unit of Asian American history beginning next year.