Dear Community Partners, I am delighted to inform you that the Assembly Education Committee passed Assembly Bill 2064 with a 6-0 vote in yesterday’s hearing. As many of you are aware, AB 2064 will require the State Board of Education and the Curriculum Development and Supplemental Materials Commission to adopt textbook and instructional materials that include instruction on the Vietnam War. This bill specifically requires textbook and instructional materials to include the “Secret War” in Laos; the role of Southeast Asians in that war; AND the refugee/immigrant/new American experience as a result of the Vietnam War. The bill is attached to the letter from Assemblyman Juan Arambula, 31st District.   more »

Dear Members of the California State Assembly Education Committee, I am writing in strong support of AB 2064, which would require the State Board of Education and the Curriculum Development and Supplemental Materials Commission to adopt textbooks and instructional materials to include instruction on the Vietnam War. Specifically to include the "Secret War" in Laos, the role of Southeast Asians in that war, and the refugee/immigrant/new American experience as a result of the war. My experience in this topic includes service on the Southeast Asia Community Advisory Board to the Oakland Museum, contributor to the Smithsonian Exhibition “Enter Saigon—Enter Little Saigon” now at San Jose City College, and as an adjunct instructor of U.S. History and Ethnic Studies classes at SJCC, De Anza College, CCSF, Solano College, and Diablo Valley College between 1994 and 2005 (now retired). At DVC I taught a Critical Reasoning in History class that was themed on the Vietnam War era. But I didn’t learn anything about the Vietnam War until talking to students from refugee families from Viet Nam, Cambodia, and Laos. Then I went into the communities for events and commemorations and learned from their parents. Some of the leaders asked me to help with the misinformation in the high school history textbooks. We held a seminar “Vietnamese Americans in California Textbooks” at De Anza College on October 22, 2004. My experience also includes the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s and 1970s – the NAACP—in Santa Clara County. All of us learned that making changes in textbooks regarding African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Asian Americans must come from the people themselves first getting support from the legislature. You are the link for inclusion and democracy. The textbook publishers are not interested in revision except when it is legislated. I am counting on you as representatives of the communities to bring this legislation forward. And I am promising you to be of as much assistance as possible in facilitating the much-needed changes regarding textbook interpretations of the Vietnam War. Jean Libby, editor VietAm Review   more »

The California Assembly will discuss AB 2064 that will mandate inclusion of material about and voices from the Hmong in high school curriculae for the 'Viet Nam War.' This is long, LONG, overdue and could serve as an opening to address major and inexcusable shoddy, inaccurate and mythical treatment of 'The Viet Nam War' in high school classrooms. Voices of SE Asians, be they Hmong or Montagnard, Viet Namese or Cambodian, are almost universally excluded and remain unheard. It is of utmost importance that this bill receive support, especially from California residents. Time of the essence. Letters, faxes, emails should be received no later than 6 April but discussion will follow later on 9 April. Please write in support of AB 2064, and PLEASE send to friends and family who are residents of California. iTEM # 1: --------------INTRODUCTORY LETTER FROM OFFICE OF ASSEMBLYMAN JUAN ARAMBULA------------ Dear Community Leaders: As you may have heard, Assembly Member Juan Arambula, District 31, has recently introduced a new bill that, if passed, will require the State Board of Education and the Curriculum Development and Supplemental Materials Commission to adopt textbook and instructional materials to include instruction on the Vietnam War. This bill would specifically require textbook and instructional materials to include the “Secret War” in Laos; the role of Southeast Asians in that war; AND the refugee/immigrant/new American experience as a result of the Vietnam War. AB 2064 will have a great impact on not only the Southeast Asian communities in California, but also the larger California community and school districts as well. We hope that you and your organization will help support this effort by sending in letters of support to the Assembly Education Committee. Attached you will find the bill language; an updated fact sheet along with an updated sample letter for you and your organization to use; and a list of Assembly Members on the Education Committee where you can send your organization’s letters. We encourage you and your organization to fax/send in letters of support to each Education Committee Member’s office by April 6th, 2008. Please note that we would appreciate a copy of the letter(s) you send by forwarding it to Mariana at the Capitol Office via fax: (916) 319-2031. Additionally, your assistance in enlisting the support of other national, state, and/or local partner organizations will contribute immensely to getting AB 2064 through the Assembly and onto the Senate floor: We look forward to working with each of you and your organizations and will continue to provide you with any further updates as the hearing date approaches. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at (559) 445-5532 and/or Mariana Corona at the Sacramento Capitol at (916) 319-2031. Regards, Srida Moua Field Representative Office of Assembly Member Juan Arambula (D-31) 2550 Mariposa Mall, Room 5031 Fresno, CA 93721 Phone: (559) 445-5532 Fax: (559) 445-6006 Email: Srida.Moua@asm.ca.gov Website: www.assembly.ca.gov/31   more »