Councilman-at-large Rolando Lavarro and a group of activists are pushing for the passage of state legislation that would require the inclusion of Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) history and contributions in New Jersey’s K-12 curriculum.
“We are living in more polarized times. The violence against AAPI communities has given rise to the urgent need for education to combat systemic racism,” said Lavarro. “Our education system not only should reflect the diversity of our state but should ensure that future generations grow up with knowledge and values of inclusivity and social justice by learning the history and contributions of AAPI communities.”
At its November 29 meeting, the Jersey City municipal council unanimously adopted a resolution in support of legislation pending before the state legislature. The council resolution cites the provisions of the legislation, including the steep rise of hate incidents against the AAPI community, and that education and inclusion of AAPI studies in the classrooms would cultivate communities that are more inclusive and serve to create a more just society.
On December 2, Councilman Lavarro joined Make Us Visible NJ and nearly a dozen activists urging legislators to pass the bills, known as S4021 and A6100.
In advance of a vote by the New Jersey State Senate, Make Us Visible NJ advocates, students and residents gathered in a committee room at the Statehouse and shared their personal experiences of racism, and the importance of education in combating bigotry.
With more than 37 sponsors in the state Senate, the bill, S4021, passed overwhelmingly with a vote of 38-2.
However, the Assembly Education Committee still must hear A6100. A vote is scheduled for its final meeting for the 2020-2021 legislative session on December 9.
“We are deeply grateful to Councilman Lavarro for introducing this resolution and to the Jersey City Council for their unanimous support for the AAPI Curriculum Bill S4021/A6100,” said Dr. Kani Ilangoven of Make Us Visible NJ. “We believe that it is vital to focus on prevention and education by emphasizing what an integral part of this country Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have been and continue to be.”
Said Jennie Jonson of The Jersey City AAPI Coalition, “The inclusion of AAPI studies in our public schools’ curriculum is long overdue. We are glad that Jersey City and Hudson County leadership recognize the need to fill this void in the interest of inclusivity and creating an equitable and just society,”
Local pols have joined Lavarro in his efforts. “Everyone knows I’m a history buff,” said Ward C Council Rich Boggiano, who was a co-sponsor of the resolution. “Jersey City has always been an immigrant city, and we are lucky to have such an amazing Asian American community. This is a wonderful opportunity to make our history curriculum reflect the diversity of our city.”
“It is extraordinarily important that Asian American and Pacific Islander history and contributions are included in our public-school curriculum,” said Ward E Council James Solomon, who also co-sponsored the City Council resolution. “I am grateful that Jersey City’s Council added its voice to the Make Us Visible NJ Coalition calling on our state legislators to pass the bill to make this much needed addition to our public school’s curriculum.”