On April 4, 2024 Governor Evers signed Assembly Bill 232, now 2023 Wisconsin Act 266, requiring schools to include education on the contributions and history of Hmong Americans and Asian Americans in Wisconsin.
9to5 Wisconsin is a member of the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Coalition of Wisconsin that fought to include the history of Hmong Americans and Asian Americans in school curriculum. Mary Lou, a 9to5 member, testified a few weeks ago and 9to5 Wisconsin Executive State Director Christina Thor was also interviewed for the passage of the bill.
As a first-generation American daughter of Hmong refugees, Christina grew up within Wisconsin’s K-12 educational system. Her involvement in the coalition’s efforts is a testament to her commitment to enriching the curriculum and ensuring that future generations learn about the significant contributions of Hmong and Asian Americans to Wisconsin’s history.
Wisconsin is home to the third-largest population of Hmong in the country and the inclusion of the history of Hmong and Asian Americans history alongside Black, Native American, and Latino history is essential for the learning of all students but is particularly impactful for Asian American students. The Hmong population is also the largest AAPI population in Wisconsin.
“The Hmong and Asian American communities are a critical part of our state’s history, culture, economy, and our future. It’s important that we celebrate our shared histories and honor the people who help make Wisconsin the state it is today,” said Gov. Evers in a press release.
