"Dear Board of Education trustees, Dr. Prendergast, Dr. Lando and Ms. Newman,
On behalf of the Great Neck Chinese Association, we would like to first thank you
for leading this premier school district that provides the best education for our
children.
We are writing to express our belief that our school district shouldestablish a policy that incorporates Asian-American Pacific Islander (AAPI)
history at each grade level and provide adequate funding to implement a Teach
AAPI history policy.
Asian American history is American history. From coolies who helped build the
transcontinental railways to the Chinese Exclusion Act, from the invention of fiber
optics to Hollywood and Broadway – AAPI history is a complicated tale of
sufferings, contributions, and the ultimate pursuit of the American Dream. For
hundreds of years, AAPI history has always been an indispensable part of
American history and American identity.
Unfortunately, AAPI history is hard to find in our student textbooks. It is said that
“if we are not purposely including, we are accidentally excluding.” To truly
embrace the diverse fabrics of our society, we need to take an affirmative step to
teach and discuss the historically marginalized AAPI groups in our country and
actively embrace different cultures in schools.
History provides us with a sense of identity. With 45% of all Great Neck students
being of Asian descent, it is imperative that the history of their ancestors in this
country is taught during their formative years at this premier school district. While
most of us will teach our children about our history and culture at home, it is still
incomparable to learning in the context of a school setting. Learning about the
Lunar New Year once a year or through a special project during AAPI Heritage
Month in school is simply not enough. Our school district should help our students
learn about and to be proud of their history in this country in the context of a
regular school setting.
History will also help us combat anti-Asian stereotypes, hatred and bigotry. With
the rise of Anti-Asian hate crimes, we believe that teaching AAPI history will
deliver a long-term change by reducing ignorance and phobia. If we introduce the
contributions and sacrifices that Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders have made
for this country to our children at a young age, we will be building fundamental
understanding and appreciation of inclusion and diversity.
Today, New York City, New Jersey, California, Connecticut, Illinois, and Rhode
Island have all passed legislation that makes teaching AAPI history a mandate,
with many other states and municipalities to follow. We appreciate that some
teachers in our district have already started to incorporate AAPI history in their
curriculum. We understand that it will require a tremendous amount of work to
implement the Teach AAPI history policy at all buildings. However, we strongly
urge our school district to pass a Teach AAPI history policy and once again lead
the progress and be the standard-bearer for all school districts on Long Island.
Thank You!
Best Regards,
GNCA Board of Directors"
One more thing to keep in mind: as 1st Gen Asian we grown up as majority before came the states, psychologically we are much stronger, we are still calling the other groups 外国人. LOL most time 对于热情于俺的外国人or 冷落于俺的外国人，听之任之，基本无感，何况我们有自己的community 一起玩。
