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 »