The new law requires Wisconsin schools to teach Asian American and Hmong American histories, recognizing their important contributions to the state. Gov. Tony Evers signed the bill at an elementary school in Wausau, home to a significant Hmong population. Wisconsin has the third highest Hmong population in the country, following California and Minnesota.
The Hmong community in Wisconsin has a unique history, facing persecution as an ethnic minority in their ancestral lands in China. Many Hmong individuals fought for the United States in the Vietnam War and later resettled in Wisconsin and other parts of the country. The new law aims to promote greater awareness and understanding of Hmong and Asian American histories, cultures, and traditions among students in K-12 schools.
Wisconsin’s current law already requires schools to teach Black, Hispanic, and Native American histories. The addition of Hmong and Asian American histories to the curriculum reflects the state’s commitment to diversity and multicultural education. The legislation had widespread support in the Legislature, with no registered opponents, including backing from the state education department, teachers’ union, and the Wisconsin Council of Churches.
The signing of the bill at an elementary school in Wausau, the city with the highest per-capita Hmong population in the state and country, highlights the importance of recognizing and honoring the contributions of the Hmong and Asian American communities. Gov. Evers emphasized the significance of celebrating shared histories and acknowledging the people who have played a role in shaping Wisconsin’s identity and culture.
The Hmong American Center provided statistics on the Hmong population in Wisconsin, which numbers around 50,000. This places the state third in terms of Hmong population, after California and Minnesota. The center’s data underscores the significant presence and impact of the Hmong community in Wisconsin, making it a key part of the state’s cultural fabric and history.
Overall, the new law requiring the inclusion of Asian American and Hmong American histories in Wisconsin schools reflects a broader effort to promote diversity, inclusivity, and cultural understanding. By expanding the curriculum to encompass a more comprehensive range of perspectives and experiences, educators hope to foster greater empathy, appreciation, and respect for the diverse communities that contribute to the state’s rich heritage.
