Public Comments for: HB1353 - Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Commission; established, report, sunset provision.
Last Name: Evard Locality: Waterford

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Last Name: Lee Locality: Annandale

Delegate Martinez represents heroism in politics especiallt when few elected officials shows dishonesty, unethical behaviors. Please stay strong for education of VA. Thank you.

Last Name: Jun Locality: Lorton

You are an Amazing, truly dedicated Delegate. Sterling VA is so fortunate to have you to represent them. Thank you so much for being the patron of this bill as all of our children in grade school should be taught with Asian Americans history like any other communities. We are praying that all of the VA delegation vote YES to this bill.

Last Name: Tae Locality: Fairfax

The Asian population is the fastest-growing and second-largest group of immigrants in the United States. Research indicates that Asians will make up 38% of all immigrants to the United States by 2055, which is higher than Hispanics/Latinos, who will make up 31%. However, the dominant culture has often perceived Asian immigrants as "perpetual foreigners" in American history. For instance, Chinese immigrants were barred from entering the United States under the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 because they were considered unassimilable to mainstream American culture (Hartlep, 2013). As a consequence, this act limited the migration of other Asian groups, including Japanese, Korean, South Asians, Filipinos, and refugees from Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia to the U.S. with the notion of perpetuating the foreign Asian population (Hartlep, 2013). Asian immigrants have also faced discrimination and prejudice, including stereotypes and negative portrayals as perpetual foreigners (Ng et al., 2019). This can make it difficult for Asian immigrants to fully integrate into American society and feel a sense of belonging. The "Perpetual foreigners" concept results in a lack of diversity and inclusivity in society. Consequently, Asian immigrant families do not receive the support and representation they need, and their perspectives and experiences are often not valued. For example, taking into consideration the diverse ethnicities, languages, cultures, socioeconomic status, and educational needs of Asian American students, Ng et al. (2017) have shown that Asian American students are neglected in public education, including the fact that they are absent from K-12 curriculum and staffing. Additionally, they are marginalized within traditional discussions of race based on a Black and White framework (Ng et al. 2017) which has contributed to the K-12 curriculum lacking the inclusion of content about Asian Americans (Ng et al., 2017; Kiang, 2004). As a result of stereotypes, classroom practices, school decisions, and government policy and funding allocations are not inclusive and equitable for Asian families. This society's fabric is strengthened and healthier when Asians who have contributed to American history are made visible.

Last Name: Choi Organization: Coalition of Asian Pacific of VA Locality: Lorton

We want to thank Delegate Martinez for sponsoring this bill 1353 for Asian American Heritage Commission bill. The school k-12th grade should have accurate history of AAPI information in their curriculum. Inclusion, diversity, equality should be represented in text books, thank you again.

Last Name: Lee Locality: Alexandria

Thank you Delegate Martinez, you have proven yourself not only to be hero for our children but true example of how legislators should represent their constituents. Wish you the best in passing this bill for all of us in VA.

Last Name: Lee Locality: Fairfax County

I would like to express my utmost gratitude to Delegate Martinez for sponsoring HB1353. For the last 14 years, I have been a teacher in Virginia. With the recently revised history standards, next year will be the first year students across the commonwealth will be learning about Asian American history. But they're not the only ones. Most educators will have limited knowledge of these standards, too. Think about it. How much Asian American history did YOU learn in school? It is imperative to have a commission guiding the Board of Education on how to implement standards regarding the Asian American and Pacific Islander community, so the Virginia Department of Education can provide resources and professional development to the school districts.

Last Name: Jun Organization: Coalition of Asian Americas of VA Locality: Fairfax county

Thank you so much for standing up for our children. Getting so much pressure for carrying our bill but you are staying strong and firm . Thank you

Last Name: Vu Locality: Fairfax County

Good morning House of Delegates, I am writing in support of House Bill 1353 that supports creating a commission to help advise on Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) heritage and contributions to our K-12 education. As second generation Vietnamese American who has lived in Virginia since I was 5 years old, I recall one mention of any Asian related event in school which was the Vietnam War which was less than a chapter in History at the time. Our history teacher who was a Vietnam War vet shut our book and said it was shameful. I have had to search on my own to learn about AAPI history and culture beyond my own family and find a lot of pride and joy in learning of others culture. However, I would be hard pressed to name any Asian Americans who have made contributions to the fabric of our nation, despite having a larger and larger portion of the population. I don't think it is because there has been lack of contributions (such as the United States vs Wong Kim Ark to establish Birthright citizenship clause in the 14th Amendment), but lack of education. Last year when we visited Richmond, my daughter had requested to visit the Maggie Walker house because she had learned about it in 1st grade. I had passed by the Maggie Walker school as a resident at VCU but had no major desire to learn more about her, but now I happily did to indulge in my daughter's desire to learn more about Maggie Walker (the first African American woman to own a bank). This story is to demonstrate the power of education. IN closing, I want to thank Delegate Marty Martinez in stepping up to support this bill. I want this for the young version of myself, and for my kids to be able to see themselves as contributors to our great and diverse nation.

Last Name: Perez Locality: Fairfax county

Asian American and Pacific Islander communities across the Commonwealth of Virginia have been facing acts of bullying, violence, and hatred in recent years. A 2023 AAPI Data poll by the Associated Press revealed that 23% of Asian Americans encountered verbal harassment or abuse, while 10% experienced physical assault or threats. Approximately one-third of AAPI individuals encountered professional discrimination based on their race, and over 50% felt discomfort or insecurity in the U.S. due to their ethnicity. In a separate study, Pew Research reported that nearly one-third of Americans perceived Asian Americans as more loyal to their perceived country of origin, and almost 80% of Asian Americans did not feel fully accepted in the United States. This reality highlights the urgent need to address anti-Asian American prejudice, discrimination, and hate. Knowledge is a powerful tool in combating hate, as ignorance often leads to bullying and violence. Incorporating Asian American and Pacific Islander history into educational curricula can contribute significantly to fostering understanding among community members. By educating current and future generations about the triumphs and challenges of Asian Americans, we can promote empathy and appreciation for their integral role in our country's history.

Last Name: Tran Locality: Ashburn

It is important to include Asian American history in school curriculums because it helps students understand the contributions of Asian Americans to the United States and their role in shaping the country’s history. Asian Americans have been a crucial thread within the fabric of our nation since the first people from Asia came and settled here many centuries ago. Teaching Asian American history is essential to understanding who we are as a nation and how we got here. It is a crucial step towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society.

Last Name: Ra Organization: Make Us Visible Virginia Locality: Fairfax

HB-1353 One year ago, I came before this committee to share my personal encounters with racism. As a student, I endured hateful comments like, "I know what you are doing to this country; Go back to yours." Regrettably, I soon realized that my experience was not unique; it reflected a broader Asian American experience within our Commonwealth and our nation. Last year, this committee's unanimous approval of the House bill introducing a dedicated commission to advising the Department of Education on Asian American and Pacific Islander history in Virginia public schools brought me joy. I genuinely believe that education is a potent remedy against racism and prejudice. Despite growing community support, this year has posed challenges in engaging legislators on this issue. Delegate Martinez's courage and solidarity with our community deserve appreciation. Sir, Your support has not gone unnoticed, and our community will always remember your assistance in amplifying our voices. Now, I seek your help. Recognizing the power of knowledge in combating hate, incorporating Asian American and Pacific Islander history into the educational curriculum can foster empathy and appreciation for their pivotal roles in our country's history. HB-1353 marks a crucial step in establishing the AAPI Heritage Commission. This initiative ensures comprehensive, thoughtful, and culturally responsive teaching of AAPI history. I urge you to cast a favorable vote for HB-1353. Thank you so much for your support in advance.

Last Name: Denmark Locality: Richmond

I support HB1353. We should definitely teach children the history and contributions of Asian American and Pacific Islander people, and this commission would allow them to have a meaningful voice in determining what will be taught. Then, we don't have to worry about the dominant, white culture solely making the decisions and having educators teach an incomplete or inaccurate version of their history.

End of Comments