AN ACT Relating to requiring public schools to commemorate the contributions of Chinese Americans and Americans of Chinese descent;
Summary
SB 5134 would require Washington public schools to set aside time during January, designated as Chinese American and Americans of Chinese Descent History Month, to commemorate the lives, history, achievements, and contributions of Chinese Americans and Americans of Chinese descent. The bill also encourages schools to use January for related activities recognizing these communities’ role in Washington state history and heritage.
In addition to the commemorative requirement, the bill amends state law to direct school districts, beginning with curriculum review or adoption after September 1, 2024, to include instruction on the Chinese Exclusion Act and other relevant historical events such as the Tacoma Method. Districts may satisfy this requirement by using a curriculum developed and made available free of charge by the Washington State Historical Society in collaboration with a Washington nonprofit organization that promotes civic harmony across cultural backgrounds. Districts may also adapt that curriculum to include regionally specific content or integrate it into existing materials.
Impact
The bill would add a new statutory requirement in chapter 28A RCW for public schools to provide January observances and to incorporate specified Chinese American history content into social studies curriculum reviews and adoptions. It would affect school districts, curriculum planners, and classroom instruction by making this topic part of the state’s educational expectations, while also relying on a state historical society curriculum resource to help districts comply.
Sentiment
The bill appears generally supportive and celebratory in tone, with the text emphasizing recognition, commemoration, and education about the contributions and experiences of Chinese Americans and Americans of Chinese descent. No committee transcripts or recorded votes were provided, so there is no direct evidence of opposition or amendment debate in the available materials.
Contention
The main potential point of contention is the mandate placed on public schools and school districts, particularly the requirement to incorporate specific historical instruction into curriculum review and adoption cycles. Another possible issue is implementation: districts may need to determine how to fit the material into existing social studies curricula, whether to use the state-provided curriculum or adapt it, and how much local flexibility they should have. No explicit objections or competing viewpoints are included in the provided record.
Revised for 1st substitute: Providing instruction on Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, Latino American, and Black American history in public schools.