Senate Bill S6359

2021-2022 Legislative Session

Requires public elementary and high schools to provide instruction in Asian American history and civic impact

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Archive: Last Bill Status - In Senate Committee Education Committee

Introduced
- In Committee Assembly
- In Committee Senate
- On Floor Calendar Assembly
- On Floor Calendar Senate
- Passed Assembly
- Passed Senate
Delivered to Governor
Signed By Governor

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Date of Action	Assembly Actions - Lowercase Senate Actions - UPPERCASE
Jan 05, 2022	referred to education
Apr 28, 2021	print number 6359a
Apr 28, 2021	amend (t) and recommit to education
Apr 23, 2021	referred to education

Bill Amendments

Original

A (Active)

co-Sponsors

View additional co-sponsors

2021-S6359 - Details

Current Committee:: Senate Education
Law Section:: Education Law
Laws Affected:: Add §801-b, Ed L
Versions Introduced in Other Legislative Sessions:: 2023-2024: S5963
2025-2026: S3334

2021-S6359 - Summary

Requires public elementary and high schools to provide instruction in Asian American history and civic impact.

2021-S6359 - Sponsor Memo

                                
 
BILL NUMBER: S6359        REVISED 04/23/2021

SPONSOR: LIU
 
TITLE OF BILL:

An act to amend the education law, in relation to requiring public
elementary schools and high schools to provide instruction in Asian
American history and civil impact

 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:

Requires public elementary and high schools to provide instruction in
Asian American history and civil impact

 
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:

Section 1 directs the board of regents to develop a course of study in
the events of Asian American history. Also directs the commissioner to
provide technical assistance in the development of curricula on Asian
American history and civic impact and to provide suitable course materi-
als.

Section 2 provides the effective date.

 
JUSTIFICATION:

Curriculum in New York State schools is often devoid of content related
to the impact of Asian Americans on the history and culture of our state
and the country at large, and the discrimination they have faced in our
country. A lack of understanding and knowledge of Asian Americans has
contributed to a recent increase in violence and hate crimes against
people of Asian descent, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19
pandemic. This legislation would ensure that students in New York State
schools are taught about the historical contributions of Asian Ameri-
cans, which will foster respect and understanding of Asian Americans,
and allow Asian American students to see themselves reflected as an
important part of the history and culture of our state and country.

 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

NEW BILL

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:

TBD

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the first of July next succeeding the date
on which it shall have become a law.

2021-S6359 - Bill Text download pdf

                            
 
                     S T A T E   O F   N E W   Y O R K
 ________________________________________________________________________
 
                                   6359
 
                        2021-2022 Regular Sessions
 
                             I N  S E N A T E
 
                              April 23, 2021
                                ___________
 
 Introduced  by  Sens. LIU, COONEY, GOUNARDES, KAVANAGH, STAVISKY, THOMAS
   -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to
   the Committee on Education
 
 AN ACT to amend the education  law,  in  relation  to  requiring  public
   elementary  schools  and  high schools to provide instruction in Asian
   American history and civil impact

   THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, REPRESENTED IN SENATE AND  ASSEM-
 BLY, DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:
 
   Section  1. The education law is amended by adding a new section 801-b
 to read as follows:
   § 801-B. COURSES OF STUDY IN ASIAN AMERICAN HISTORY AND CIVIL  IMPACT.
 1.  THE  BOARD  OF  REGENTS  IS AUTHORIZED AND DIRECTED TO ESTABLISH AND
 DEVELOP A COURSE OF STUDY IN THE EVENTS OF ASIAN AMERICAN HISTORY.  SUCH
 COURSE  OF STUDY SHALL BE REQUIRED FOR ALL STUDENTS IN PUBLIC ELEMENTARY
 SCHOOL AND HIGH SCHOOL AND MAY BE INCLUDED AS PART  OF  THE  HISTORY  OR
 SOCIAL STUDIES CURRICULUM OF SUCH SCHOOLS. INSTRUCTION SHALL BE PROVIDED
 BY  THE TEACHERS EMPLOYED IN THE SCHOOLS THEREIN. SUCH INSTRUCTION SHALL
 INCLUDE, BUT SHALL NOT BE LIMITED TO, INSTRUCTION IN THE FOLLOWING:
   A. THE HISTORY OF ASIAN AMERICANS IN NEW YORK AND THE NORTHEAST;
   B. THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF ASIAN AMERICANS TOWARD ADVANCING CIVIL  RIGHTS
 FROM THE NINETEENTH CENTURY ONWARD;
   C.  THE CONTRIBUTIONS MADE BY INDIVIDUAL ASIAN AMERICANS IN GOVERNMENT
 AND THE ARTS, HUMANITIES AND SCIENCES; AND
   D. THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF ASIAN AMERICAN COMMUNITIES  TO  THE  ECONOMIC,
 CULTURAL, SOCIAL AND POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE UNITED STATES.
   2.  THE  COMMISSIONER, SHALL PROVIDE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO ASSIST IN
 THE DEVELOPMENT OF CURRICULA FOR SUCH COURSES OF STUDY  WHICH  SHALL  BE
 AGE  APPROPRIATE  AND  DEVELOPED ACCORDING TO THE NEEDS AND ABILITIES OF
 STUDENTS AT SUCCESSIVE GRADE LEVELS IN ORDER TO  PROVIDE  UNDERSTANDING,
 AWARENESS,  SKILLS,  INFORMATION  AND SUPPORT TO AID IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF
 ASIAN AMERICAN HISTORY AND CIVIL IMPACT.
 
  EXPLANATION--Matter in ITALICS (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
                       [ ] is old law to be omitted.

                                                            LBD11024-01-1

 S. 6359                             2
 
   3. THE REGENTS SHALL ADOPT RULES  PROVIDING  FOR  ATTENDANCE  OF  SUCH
 COURSES OF STUDY AND FOR SUCH OTHER MATTERS AS ARE REQUIRED FOR EFFECTU-
 ATING  THE PURPOSES OF THIS SECTION. THE COMMISSIONER SHALL BE RESPONSI-
 BLE FOR THE ENFORCEMENT OF SUCH SECTION AND SHALL CAUSE TO BE  INSPECTED
 AND  SUPERVISE THE INSTRUCTION TO BE GIVEN. THE COMMISSIONER MAY, IN HIS
 OR HER DISCRETION, CAUSE ALL OR A PORTION OF THE PUBLIC SCHOOL MONEY  TO
 BE  APPORTIONED  TO A DISTRICT OR CITY TO BE WITHHELD FOR NON-COMPLIANCE
 WITH THE RULES OF THE REGENTS ADOPTED AS HEREIN PROVIDED AND  TO  COMPEL
 ATTENDANCE IN SUCH INSTRUCTION, AS HEREIN PRESCRIBED.
   4.  THE COMMISSIONER SHALL MAKE AVAILABLE TO ALL PUBLIC ELEMENTARY AND
 HIGH SCHOOLS IN THE STATE SUITABLE CURRICULUM MATERIALS TO  AID  IN  THE
 INSTRUCTION  OF  STUDENTS IN ASIAN AMERICAN HISTORY AND CIVIL IMPACT AND
 SHALL PROMULGATE RULES AND REGULATIONS GOVERNING SUCH COURSES OF STUDY.
   5. COMPLETION OF SUCH COURSES OF STUDY SHALL CONSTITUTE AN AFFIRMATION
 BY STUDENTS OF THEIR COMMITMENT TO RESPECT THE DIGNITY OF ALL RACES  AND
 PEOPLES  AND  TO  FOREVER  ESCHEW  EVERY FORM OF DISCRIMINATION IN THEIR
 LIVES AND CAREERS.
   6. A SCHOOL MAY MEET THE  REQUIREMENTS  OF  THIS  SECTION  THROUGH  AN
 ONLINE COURSE OR PROGRAM.
   §  2.  This act shall take effect on the first of July next succeeding
 the date on which it shall have become a law.

co-Sponsors

View additional co-sponsors

2021-S6359A (ACTIVE) - Details

Current Committee:: Senate Education
Law Section:: Education Law
Laws Affected:: Add §801-b, Ed L
Versions Introduced in Other Legislative Sessions:: 2023-2024: S5963
2025-2026: S3334

2021-S6359A (ACTIVE) - Summary

Requires public elementary and high schools to provide instruction in Asian American history and civic impact.

2021-S6359A (ACTIVE) - Sponsor Memo

                                
 
BILL NUMBER: S6359A       REVISED 04/28/2021

SPONSOR: LIU
 
TITLE OF BILL:

An act to amend the education law, in relation to requiring public
elementary schools and high schools to provide instruction in Asian
American history and civic impact

 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:

Requires public elementary and high schools to provide instruction in
Asian American history and civic impact

 
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:

Section 1 directs the board of regents to develop a course of study in
the events of Asian American history. Also directs the commissioner to
provide technical assistance in the development of curricula on Asian
American history and civic impact and to provide suitable course materi-
als.

Section 2 provides the effective date.

 
JUSTIFICATION:

Curriculum in New York State schools is often devoid of content related
to the impact of Asian Americans on the history and culture of our state
and the country at large, and the discrimination they have faced in our
country. A lack of understanding and knowledge of Asian Americans has
contributed to a recent increase in violence and hate crimes against
people of Asian descent, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19
pandemic. This legislation would ensure that students in New York State
schools are taught about the historical contributions of Asian Ameri-
cans, which will foster respect and understanding of Asian Americans,
and allow Asian American students to see themselves reflected as an
important part of the history and culture of our state and country.

 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

NEW BILL

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:

TBD

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the first of July next succeeding the date
on which it shall have become a law.

2021-S6359A (ACTIVE) - Bill Text download pdf

                            
 
                     S T A T E   O F   N E W   Y O R K
 ________________________________________________________________________
 
                                  6359--A
 
                        2021-2022 Regular Sessions
 
                             I N  S E N A T E
 
                              April 23, 2021
                                ___________
 
 Introduced  by  Sens. LIU, COONEY, GOUNARDES, KAVANAGH, STAVISKY, THOMAS
   -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to
   the Committee on Education  --  committee  discharged,  bill  amended,
   ordered reprinted as amended and recommitted to said committee
 
 AN  ACT  to  amend  the  education  law, in relation to requiring public
   elementary schools and high schools to provide  instruction  in  Asian
   American history and civic impact
 
   THE  PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, REPRESENTED IN SENATE AND ASSEM-
 BLY, DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:
 
   Section 1. The education law is amended by adding a new section  801-b
 to read as follows:
   §  801-B. COURSES OF STUDY IN ASIAN AMERICAN HISTORY AND CIVIC IMPACT.
 1. THE BOARD OF REGENTS IS AUTHORIZED  AND  DIRECTED  TO  ESTABLISH  AND
 DEVELOP  A COURSE OF STUDY IN THE EVENTS OF ASIAN AMERICAN HISTORY. SUCH
 COURSE OF STUDY SHALL BE REQUIRED FOR ALL STUDENTS IN PUBLIC  ELEMENTARY
 SCHOOL  AND  HIGH  SCHOOL  AND MAY BE INCLUDED AS PART OF THE HISTORY OR
 SOCIAL STUDIES CURRICULUM OF SUCH SCHOOLS. INSTRUCTION SHALL BE PROVIDED
 BY THE TEACHERS EMPLOYED IN THE SCHOOLS THEREIN. SUCH INSTRUCTION  SHALL
 INCLUDE, BUT SHALL NOT BE LIMITED TO, INSTRUCTION IN THE FOLLOWING:
   A. THE HISTORY OF ASIAN AMERICANS IN NEW YORK AND THE NORTHEAST;
   B.  THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF ASIAN AMERICANS TOWARD ADVANCING CIVIL RIGHTS
 FROM THE NINETEENTH CENTURY ONWARD;
   C. THE CONTRIBUTIONS MADE BY INDIVIDUAL ASIAN AMERICANS IN  GOVERNMENT
 AND THE ARTS, HUMANITIES AND SCIENCES; AND
   D.  THE  CONTRIBUTIONS  OF ASIAN AMERICAN COMMUNITIES TO THE ECONOMIC,
 CULTURAL, SOCIAL AND POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE UNITED STATES.
   2. THE COMMISSIONER, SHALL PROVIDE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO  ASSIST  IN
 THE  DEVELOPMENT  OF  CURRICULA FOR SUCH COURSES OF STUDY WHICH SHALL BE
 AGE APPROPRIATE AND DEVELOPED ACCORDING TO THE NEEDS  AND  ABILITIES  OF
 STUDENTS  AT  SUCCESSIVE GRADE LEVELS IN ORDER TO PROVIDE UNDERSTANDING,
 
  EXPLANATION--Matter in ITALICS (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
                       [ ] is old law to be omitted.
                                                            LBD11024-03-1

 S. 6359--A                          2
 
 AWARENESS, SKILLS, INFORMATION AND SUPPORT TO AID IN  THE  KNOWLEDGE  OF
 ASIAN AMERICAN HISTORY AND CIVIC IMPACT.
   3.  THE  REGENTS  SHALL  ADOPT  RULES PROVIDING FOR ATTENDANCE OF SUCH
 COURSES OF STUDY AND FOR SUCH OTHER MATTERS AS ARE REQUIRED FOR EFFECTU-
 ATING THE PURPOSES OF THIS SECTION. THE COMMISSIONER SHALL BE  RESPONSI-
 BLE  FOR THE ENFORCEMENT OF SUCH SECTION AND SHALL CAUSE TO BE INSPECTED
 AND SUPERVISE THE INSTRUCTION TO BE GIVEN. THE COMMISSIONER MAY, IN  HIS
 OR  HER DISCRETION, CAUSE ALL OR A PORTION OF THE PUBLIC SCHOOL MONEY TO
 BE APPORTIONED TO A DISTRICT OR CITY TO BE WITHHELD  FOR  NON-COMPLIANCE
 WITH  THE  RULES OF THE REGENTS ADOPTED AS HEREIN PROVIDED AND TO COMPEL
 ATTENDANCE IN SUCH INSTRUCTION, AS HEREIN PRESCRIBED.
   4. THE COMMISSIONER SHALL MAKE AVAILABLE TO ALL PUBLIC ELEMENTARY  AND
 HIGH  SCHOOLS  IN  THE STATE SUITABLE CURRICULUM MATERIALS TO AID IN THE
 INSTRUCTION OF STUDENTS IN ASIAN AMERICAN HISTORY AND CIVIC  IMPACT  AND
 SHALL PROMULGATE RULES AND REGULATIONS GOVERNING SUCH COURSES OF STUDY.
   5. COMPLETION OF SUCH COURSES OF STUDY SHALL CONSTITUTE AN AFFIRMATION
 BY  STUDENTS OF THEIR COMMITMENT TO RESPECT THE DIGNITY OF ALL RACES AND
 PEOPLES AND TO FOREVER ESCHEW EVERY  FORM  OF  DISCRIMINATION  IN  THEIR
 LIVES AND CAREERS.
   6.  A  SCHOOL  MAY  MEET  THE  REQUIREMENTS OF THIS SECTION THROUGH AN
 ONLINE COURSE OR PROGRAM.
   § 2. This act shall take effect on the first of July  next  succeeding
 the date on which it shall have become a law.

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Senate Bill S6359

Sponsored By

Archive: Last Bill Status - In Senate Committee Education Committee

Actions

Bill Amendments

co-Sponsors

2021-S6359 - Details

2021-S6359 - Summary

2021-S6359 - Sponsor Memo

2021-S6359 - Bill Text download pdf

co-Sponsors

2021-S6359A (ACTIVE) - Details

2021-S6359A (ACTIVE) - Summary

2021-S6359A (ACTIVE) - Sponsor Memo

2021-S6359A (ACTIVE) - Bill Text download pdf

Comments

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Sponsored By

Archive: Last Bill Status - In Senate Committee Education Committee

Actions

Bill Amendments

co-Sponsors

2021-S6359 - Details

2021-S6359 - Summary

2021-S6359 - Sponsor Memo

2021-S6359 - Bill Text download pdf

co-Sponsors

2021-S6359A (ACTIVE) - Details

2021-S6359A (ACTIVE) - Summary

2021-S6359A (ACTIVE) - Sponsor Memo

2021-S6359A (ACTIVE) - Bill Text download pdf

Comments