AAPI Voices and the Need for Asian American Studies in Texas Schools: 2021 Ethnic Studies Convergence [8.5-minute video]

Friends,

Do listen to these Asian American Pacific Islander youth discuss their experiences of discrimination in the classroom. According to the U.S. Census (2020), there are 18.43 million Asians in the U.S. and yet these youth explain neither being seen nor valued. Consider, as well, that this group is growing at a rate faster than the Latino community. For example, read this April 9, 2021 Pew Research Center Study titled, "Asian Americans are the fastest-growing racial or ethnic group in the U.S."

It's so wrong-headed and the Texas State Board of Education has done precious little to advance Asian American Studies in Texas schools. Asian Americans are a valuable part of our community in Texas, as well as nationwide. We should view Asian Americans getting represented in our state standards, curriculum, and classrooms as a matter of equity. 

All of our youth would be enriched by learning about the diversity and experiences of this large and growing community that is otherwise invisible in the curriculum. "Do you see me?" they poignantly ask.

Sustained, engineered ignorance on the stories, histories, and experiences of valued members of our community is not healthy for our democracy.

Love this piece by Emily Donaldson—who is now one of our students in the Education Policy and Planning program at UT—published on August 2, 2022, in the Dallas Morning News titled, "Texas schools need course highlighting Asian Americans, advocates say."

Someday, this will just get called a "good education."

Thanks to Dr. Eliza Epstein for sharing this video that was presented by these students at the “Powering Ethnic Studies in Texas: A Summer Convergence” in July, 2021. Thanks to Orlando Lara and the core team of the Ethnic Studies Network of Texas for organizing this event where voices like these can get heard.

Despite our long and enduring struggle with the Texas SBOE, our Ethnic Studies Movement in Texas is in competent hands, making great strides in hopes of a more inclusive future in Texas' K-12 curriculum.

Sí se puede! Yes we can!

-Angela Valenzuela

#EthnicStudiesNow #SupportAsianAmericanStudies #AsianAmericanStudies

AAPI Voices 2021 Ethnic Studies Convergence