Asian American Institute Spearheads Presentation of
Asian American-Issues Testimony to Illinois State Board of Education

Asian American Institute coordinated the delivery of testimony to the Illinois State Board of Education. During the Board’s January 17, 2008 meeting, seven speakers presented moving testimony concerning issues of concern to Asian American families in the public school system including: racial discrimination; increased support of bilingual services; inclusion of Asian American curriculum as part of state-mandated education; language access issues; ongoing “model minority” stereotyping; and, disaggregation of data concerning Asian American students. Eleven written statements from regional Asian American community-based organizations supplemented the presentation. The Board responded favorably to this unexpected advocacy on behalf of Asian American families.

For a copy of Asian American Institute’s Testimony (click here)

Advocates in solidarity.	Representatives of Asian American Institute, Indo-American Center and Cambodian Association of Illinois.	Myron, Peter, Susan, Ritwik, Bernarda, Emily, Juanita, and Bill (left to right)

The Asian American Institute (www.aaichicago.org) is the region's pan-Asian nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering the Asian Pacific American community through advocacy, by utilizing research, education, and coalition-building.