As Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month comes to a close, we must move beyond celebration and commit to action that enriches the lives of our students by supporting the All Students Count Act. Introduced by Sen. Mazie Hirono and Rep. Pramila Jayapal, the bill is a critical step toward ensuring every student is seen, counted, and supported. It would require disaggregated racial data collection and reporting, helping schools and policymakers better understand the needs of the diverse AANHPI communities to make more informed education policy and grantmaking decisions.
SEARAC’s recent education report shows that educational disparities continue to persist within Asian American communities. Cambodian, Hmong, Laotian, and Mien adults have significantly lower bachelor’s degree attainment rates compared to the national average and the general Asian American population. Even within the Southeast Asian American community, disparities exist, with Hmong, Laotian, and Mien men having a lower bachelor’s degree attainment rate than women. This is particularly stark for the Mien population, where 11% of men have a bachelor’s degree, compared to 29% of women.
As we reflect on the contributions, histories, and resilience of AANHPI communities this month, we must recognize that representation in data is representation in policy and society. Our students cannot receive the support they need if they remain statistically invisible. Now is the time to act. Urge your members of Congress to support the All Students Count Act and help ensure that every student counts.
TAKE ACTION:
- Click here to contact your members of Congress (MoCs) and ask them to support the All Students Count Act.
- Share your story. Share your experience as a Southeast Asian American student, faculty, or parent to help highlight the realities of our communities’ educational journeys. By submitting this form, you are giving consent for your story to be shared with members of Congress, to inform policies that better support SEAA students.
