Majority of AAPI Adults Support Inclusion of Race-Related Topics in School Curriculums, Poll Shows

A recent poll conducted by AAPI Data and The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research reveals that most Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) support the inclusion of race-related topics in U.S. school curriculums and oppose classroom subject restrictions. Specifically, 71% of AAPI adults favor teaching about the history of slavery, racism, and segregation, and the same proportion supports education on the history of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. However, only 17% believe school boards should limit classroom subjects, with broader opposition among AAPI Democrats compared to Republicans.

The study gathered responses from 1,068 AAPI adults via a survey conducted from April 8-17, 2024, in multiple languages and reflects a margin of error of 4.7 percentage points. Despite efforts by some conservative state legislatures and local school boards to curb discussions on race and gender in schools, these moves have not resonated strongly within AAPI communities, according to Karthick Ramakrishnan, a public policy professor at the University of California, Riverside.

The poll also highlights that a significant portion of AAPI adults maintains high interest in K-12 education and sees higher education as critical not only for economic advancement but also for fostering critical thinking and advancing equity and inclusion. However, only a modest percentage, about 28%, have participated in local school board elections, reflecting a trend similar to the general U.S. population but also suggesting potential for increased engagement.

In a separate finding focused on college admissions, the majority of AAPI adults support the use of standardized tests like the SAT and reject the consideration of race or ethnicity in admissions decisions. This comes amidst ongoing debates about affirmative action and the efficacy of standardized testing in gauging college readiness. The survey indicates that while 69% of AAPI respondents find legacy admissions unfair, a slightly smaller majority, 56%, oppose using an applicant’s ability to pay as an admissions criterion. These insights present a nuanced view of AAPI communities' educational preferences and values.