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Board approves plaques and curriculum to honor Chinese American school history
Summary
The board adopted a resolution directing plaques (in English and Chinese) and curricular work to recognize the historical contributions of Chinese Americans at three SF schools: Yick Wo, Gordon J. Lau and Spring Valley. Community speakers and descendants described the schools' historical significance.
The San Francisco Unified School District Board unanimously approved a resolution directing the superintendent to install plaques and promote curriculum recognizing the historical contributions of Chinese Americans at three schools: Yick Wo, Gordon J. Lau and Spring Valley Elementary. The resolution directs plaques to be placed by March 1, 2016, and calls for consultation with the Chinese Historical Society of San Francisco and other experts when drafting plaque text.
Commissioner Feuer read the resolution and introduced speakers including Diane Maoyee, daughter of Gordon J. Lau, who recounted her father's advocacy and community work; Grace Oh, a fifth grader at Gordon J. Lau, spoke about student achievement and community pride; and former principal Lonnie Chin and others described Spring Valley's long history dating to the Gold Rush era. Speakers emphasized local civil‑rights milestones tied to these schools, including the Yick Wo (Yick Wo v. Hopkins) case and Spring Valley's precedent cases.
Superintendent Carranza and other board members endorsed the resolution and asked staff to collaborate with local historical organizations to ensure historically accurate plaque text and educational materials. The board also directed that plaques be written in English and Chinese to serve students and the public, particularly in Chinatown where tourists and residents pass the schools.
Roll call passed the resolution unanimously.
