SAN JOSE, CA – On Wednesday, April 21, 2021, the Santa Clara County Board of Education (SCCBOE) unanimously passed a resolution recognizing May as National Asian Pacific American Month. The resolution acknowledged and honored Asians and Pacific Islanders in the United States.
Designated National Asian Pacific American Heritage Month by the United States Congress in 1992, the month of May was chosen to commemorate the immigration of the first Japanese to the United States on May 7, 1843, as well as the completion of the transcontinental railroad, on May 10, 1869, where Chinese immigrants played a key role in building the rails.
According to the data provided by the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders make up thirty-eight percent of the Santa Clara County population; the largest ethnic group in Santa Clara County.
“This resolution reinforces our commitment to the safety and well-being of all ethnic populations including Asian Americans,” said Santa Clara County Superintendent Dr. Mary Ann Dewan. “It is essential that we continue to build and protect inclusive environments that promote and respect the importance of their legacy, heritage and culture.”
The Santa Clara County Office of Education (SCCOE) continues to show support of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) leadership through its partnership with Leadership Education for Asian Pacifics (LEAP). LEAP leaders and members of the AAPI Educators Network participate in the Asian American & Pacific Islander Educators Network, that is supported by the County Superintendent of Schools and is facilitated by SCCOE staff, where they are encouraged to aim for leadership roles and hone and strengthen leadership skills; a proven strategy in achieving positive student outcomes.
Through the SCCOE’s affiliation with the Asian Pacific American Leadership Institute that was established to encourage Asian Pacific American civic participation and public service, programs such as the “My Name, My Identity Initiative” have been created, supported and grown. This initiative advocates for the correct pronunciation of students’ names, thereby honoring the individual student and creating a sense of belonging. The institute has significantly contributed to the community and is a leader in training socially-conscious and effective civic leaders.
Further supporting and advocating for the health, safety and well-being of the Asian American population, the SCCBOE unanimously passed a resolution in 2020 and March 2021, in support of denouncing xenophobia following the targeted atrocities to Asian Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic. The resolution also affirmed the Board’s commitment to the well-being and safety of Asian American staff and students.
The SCCOE is committed to enhancing equity and inclusion and thereby, honors and celebrates the diversity of our community and the heritage and culture of the Asian American community.
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About the Santa Clara County Office of Education
Working collaboratively with school and community partners, the Santa Clara County Office of Education (SCCOE) is a regional service agency that provides instructional, business, and technology services to the 31 school districts of Santa Clara County. The County Office of Education directly serves students through special education programs, alternative schools, Head Start and State Preschool programs, migrant education, and Opportunity Youth Academy. The SCCOE also provides academic and fiscal oversight and monitoring to districts in addition to the 22 Santa Clara County Board of Education authorized charter schools.