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Committee advances measure requiring instruction on Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander history
Summary
SB1301 would require the State Board of Education to ensure instruction on Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander history in common schools beginning 2028–29; supporters urged the mandate as a tool against hate incidents while the Arizona Education Association urged using SBE standards and raised cost and process concerns.
Senate Bill 1301 would require the State Board of Education to require instruction on the history of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders in common schools and high schools starting in the 2028–29 school year.
The bill asks school districts and charter schools, when planning instruction, to consider local and national histories and contributions in arts, science and civil‑rights movements, and requires annual attestations by districts and charters that the required instruction is planned and ongoing beginning June 14, 2029.
Supporters: Student and community advocates told the committee that mandated instruction can help combat prejudice and recent spikes in anti‑AAPI incidents. Estella Blanc of the Arizona Education Association testified in opposition but said the state’s academic standards already incorporated Asian American history and urged that any change go through the State Board of Education’s normal standards process. Student groups and community leaders recounted incidents of harassment and urged passage to provide consistent, age‑appropriate instruction and teacher resources.
Concerns: The Arizona Education Association opposed the bill primarily on process and funding grounds, saying standards already exist and that a legislative mandate risks becoming an unfunded requirement that would require teacher time, training and materials. Several senators urged sponsors and advocates to engage SBE and ADE on standards and implementation; the sponsor said she is working with education officials.
Outcome: After testimony the committee recorded four ayes and three nos, giving SB1301 a due‑pass recommendation. Several senators who voted no cited the need to follow SBE’s standards‑setting process before imposing a mandated curriculum.
