Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has signed the Teaching Equitable Asian American History Act (TEAACH) into law, making the state the first in the US to require a unit of Asian American history be taught in public schools. Taking to Twitter in July, the Governor said: “Today, we are reaffirming our commitment to creating more inclusive classrooms by making Illinois the first state in the nation to require Asian American history be taught in public schools.”

With the recent rise in acts of violence and bigotry against the Asian American community, teaching students about rich culture and important contributions throughout history will help combat false stereotypes, the office of the Governor in a statement. The legislation adds a new section on Asian American history study to the Illinois School Code. Beginning with the 2022-2023 school year, every public elementary school and high school will be required to include a unit of instruction studying the events of Asian American History, including the history of Asian Americans in Illinois and the Midwest.