UCLA Launches AAPI History Textbook

The University of California, Los Angeles's Asian American Studies Center has launched a free, digital multimedia textbook titled 'Foundations and Futures: Asian American and Pacific Islander Multimedia Textbook'. Co-edited by Karen Umemoto and Kelly Fong, the $12 million project aims to provide a comprehensive guide for educators to teach AAPI experiences, countering centuries-old stereotypes. The textbook covers a wide range of AAPI communities and their struggles, including historical figures like Patsy Mink. The project received federal and state funding, partly spurred by a 2021 United States — California law making ethnic studies a high school graduation requirement. Despite efforts by Donald Trump and the United States — Republican Party (United States) to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, the authors are enthusiastic about the textbook's potential. They are seeking an additional $5 million in private donations to expand and market the resource.