IL SB0648

Requires every public elementary and high school to include a unit of instruction on Asian American history beginning with the 2022-2023 school year, including history of Asian Americans in Illinois and the Midwest, their civil rights contributions, and their economic, cultural, social, and political development.

State Superintendent of Education may prepare and make available instructional materials to school boards, but each board determines the minimum instructional time qualifying as a unit under this requirement.

Regional superintendents must monitor school district compliance with the Asian American history curriculum requirement during annual compliance visits.

Schools may meet the requirement through online programs or courses.

Amends history curriculum requirements to include instruction beginning 2022-2023 school year on the wrongful incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II under Executive Order 9066, the 100th Infantry Battalion and 442nd Regimental Combat Team service, legal challenges to the order, resettlement in Illinois, and the 1988 U.S. government apology and redress.