Board Resolution Proclaims May 2026 as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

San Diego County Board of Education proclaims May 2026 Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Resolution No. 2026-18 reads:

WHEREAS, the Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) community represents an inherently diverse population, composed of more than 45 distinct ethnicities and more than 100 language dialects, each with unique histories, cultures, and lived experiences; and

WHEREAS, California is home to the largest population in the country of Asian Americans, a group that has enriched the state in countless and invaluable ways; and

WHEREAS approximately 16% of San Diego County residents identify as Asian and/or Pacific Islander, reflecting the region’s broad and dynamic cultural diversity; and

WHEREAS more than 52,000 students in San Diego County public schools are of Asian and Pacific Islander descent, and their diverse identities, languages, and cultures are essential to the educational community; and

WHEREAS, in 1850, William Heath Davis, a Native Hawaiian-born entrepreneur and early city building, helped establish “New Town” in San Diego, now present-day downtown, illustrating the legacy of Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander contributions to California’s history; and

WHEREAS, in 1977, Congress introduced a House resolution to proclaim the first 10 days of May as Asian Pacific Heritage Week, recognizing the contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the United States; and

WHEREAS, in 1990 Congress expanded the celebration to a month, and in May 1992, the month of May was permanently designated as Asian American and Pacific Islander American Heritage Month; and

WHEREAS, understanding the histories, cultures, and experiences of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities – including stories of migration, resilience, and resistance is essential to honoring Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month; and

WHEREAS, AANHPI communities strengthen the United States through their diversity, leadership, creativity, and service across all sectors of society; and

WHEREAS, AANHPI have faced and continue to face systemic inequities, discrimination, and violence, including the rise of anti-Asian hate rooted in a long history of exclusionary policies, such as the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 and the unjust incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II; and

WHEREAS, despite these inequities, AANHPI communities have persevered, advocated for justice, and contributed significantly to the arts, sciences, technology, law, agriculture, industry and commerce, healthcare, public service, and the military; and

WHEREAS we acknowledge the historical and cultural contributions of AANHPI communities to the State of California and to San Diego County, recognizing both their achievements and the ongoing need to advance belonging, and

WHEREAS, celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander American Heritage Month provides an opportunity for all the people of the United States to recognize the achievements, contributions, and histories of AANHPI communities, and to deepen understanding the challenges they continue to face.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the San Diego County Board of Education does hereby proclaim May 2026 as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.