PHOENIX — The history curriculum in Arizona schools may soon expand to include references to Asian-American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders’ role in the state.

That’s because the Arizona Senate has bipartisan support for a bill to integrate AAPI history in Arizona’s K-12 classrooms.

Republican Sen. John Kavanagh, who sponsored Senate Bill 1301, told the House Education Committee it’s necessary on Tuesday.

“There is currently no requirement anywhere in the curriculum to teach anything about Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders,” Kavanagh said. “I think it’s reasonable to discuss the history of these groups, their cultural accomplishments and contributions to the country.”

What impact would AAPI history law have on Arizona schools?

If the law passes, schools would be required to teach Asian-American history in the 2028-29 school year.

“This is not an onerous bill. We’re not saying you have to have a full-semester course in high school,” Kavanagh said. “We’re just saying, ‘This is what needs to be adopted somewhere in a student’s school career.’ And we leave it up to the school districts to actually put together the actual curriculum, obviously with input from the community and other groups.”

One group that would provide input is Make Us Visible, according to Astria Wong, who says the advocacy group is rallying support for similar laws in multiple states.

Advocate explains importance of recognizing AAPI history in Arizona

“Our kids are getting bullied and think that they are foreigners when they were born and raised here,” Wong told KTAR News 92.3 FM on Monday.

She said AAPI groups have been in Arizona since the 1600s and have made valuable contributions that deserve to be recognized.

For instance, a Japanese immigrant named Hachiro Onuki founded the Arizona Power Service (APS) company back in 1886.

“It was an Asian-American who started APS,” Wong said. “Without him, we wouldn’t have electricity in Arizona.”

The House Education Committee gave the bill a do-pass recommendation. If the Senate and House both pass it, Gov. Katie Hobbs will decide whether to sign the bill into law.

KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Susan Monday contributed to this report.