Batinick backs bill to require study of Asian American history in schools

State Rep. Mark Batinick spoke in support of legislation the General Assembly passed last month to require Illinois schools to include Asian American history in its curriculum.

The bill, H.B. 376, specifically provides for the teaching of the “wrongful incarceration” of Japanese Americans during World War II, according to a summary of the legislation.

Batinick, R-Plainfield, tied the important of the bill to his extended family’s experience. He mentioned his brother-in-law’s Japanese American family members who were subjected to internment and also served in the U.S. military.

The representative also prefaced his remarks by acknowledging some members on his side of the aisle taking issue with adding more state mandates for school curricula. As an example, he said he was against mandating the teaching of cursive writing in schools, but this time backed H.B. 376.

“I like the bill,” Batinick said in a floor speech. “I understand that we’re going both ways on this one. I appreciate you bringing the bill forward.”

After the Senate unanimously passed the bill, the House voted 108-10 in favor last month.