http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/asian-american-pacific-islander-lamag-s5.jpgSigns Bipartisan Bill Adding Hmong and Asian American Histories to K-12 School Curriculum.

WAUSAU — Gov. Tony Evers today celebrated Hmong Heritage Month by signing new, bipartisan legislation, 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.

“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. “I’ve been proud to sign several key pieces of bipartisan legislation into law to recognize the contributions Hmong and Asian American folks have made to our state and our country, and this bill builds upon those efforts, ensuring the histories and stories of Hmong and Asian American communities are part of state curriculum for future generations.”

Current law requires Wisconsin K-12 schools to teach Black American, Hispanic American, and Native American history. Act 266 adds Hmong and Asian American histories to this required curriculum, promoting greater awareness and understanding among Wisconsin students of the histories, cultures, and traditions of these diverse communities in Wisconsin. Gov. Evers has also proclaimed April Hmong Heritage Month in accordance with national observances. The governor’s proclamation can be found here. 

On May 14, 2021, Gov. Evers signed 2021 Wisconsin Act 31, designating May 14 as Hmong-Lao Veterans Day in Wisconsin, and each year since, the governor has used the opportunity to honor Hmong-Lao veterans in Wisconsin for their service and sacrifice, recognize their accomplishments, and encourage schools to include their military service in discussions and curriculums surrounding the Vietnam War. During the Vietnam War, thousands of Hmong-Lao people courageously fought alongside the United States and, following the end of the war, faced harsh retribution from the Vietnamese and Lao governments for their service. Many Hmong-Lao soldiers and their families were ultimately forced to flee their homes and later resettled in communities throughout the United States, including in Wisconsin. 

Additionally, on March 22, 2024, Gov. Evers signed Wisconsin Act 205, which ensures Hmong veterans can have veteran status on their driver’s license or ID by adding to the definition of “veteran” any person who was admitted to the United States under the Hmong Veterans’ Naturalization Act.

Today, Wisconsin is home to the third-largest Hmong population in the United States. The vibrant and distinct cultures of Hmong and Asian American communities in Wisconsin—from families who have lived in Wisconsin for generations to recent immigrants and refugees—are a fundamental part of the state’s identity. Members of Wisconsin’s Hmong and Asian American communities have greatly contributed to the state’s rich history, culture, economy, and tradition of public service, and Act 266 works to ensure the stories and significant histories of these communities are preserved and taught for generations to come.

Assembly Bill 232, now 2023 Wisconsin Act 266:

• Adds Hmong Americans and Asian Americans to the list of groups for which school boards must provide students with an understanding of human relations.