Requiring public schools to commemorate the contributions of Chinese Americans and Americans of Chinese descent.

SB 5134 requires Washington public schools to dedicate time during January - designated as Chinese American/Americans of Chinese descent history month - for activities commemorating the contributions of Chinese Americans and Americans of Chinese descent. Starting September 1, 2025, school districts must incorporate lessons about the Chinese Exclusion Act and related historical events like the Tacoma method into their social studies curricula. Schools can use a free, state-developed curriculum created by the Washington State Historical Society and a nonprofit, or adapt it for local context. This bill directly affects all public school districts in Washington, mandating specific educational content about this community’s history and achievements.