Wisconsin governor signs bill requiring schools to teach Asian American history 

The Wisconsin governor has signed a bill requiring K-12 schools to teach Asian American history, according to a press release from the governor’s office.

The bill, which Gov. Tony Evers (D) signed Thursday, also requires schools to teach Hmong American history, per the release. In the release, Evers said that “[t]he 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,” Evers continued in the release. 

“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,” Evers continued.

The bill builds on previous state law that mandates schools instruct on “an understanding of human relations” with regards to American Indians, Black Americans, and Hispanics.

Earlier this week, Evers vetoed a bill that would’ve barred transgender student-athletes from competing on sports teams in line with their gender identity. He called the GOP legislation “hateful and discriminatory.”

“I am vetoing this bill in its entirety because I object to codifying discrimination into state statute,” Evers said in a veto message about the bill.

“I believe this bill fails to comport with our Wisconsin values. We expect our kids to treat each other with kindness, respect, empathy, and compassion, and we should be able to expect adults to lead by example,” Evers wrote. “I urge the Republican majority to do so while fully considering the harmful consequences its efforts and actions have on our kids prior to introducing similar legislation in the future.”