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HB 835

Freedom of Speech and Religious Expression in Public Schools

2026 Regular Session Introduced by David Borrero

Requires K-12 NC curriculum to include age-appropriate units on Asian American and Pacific Islander history, contributions, and experiences starting 2026–2027.

1st Reading (Original Filed Version)
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Bill Summary · HB 835

Summary — HB 835: “Learning Asian American and Pacific Islander Contributions in Schools”

Status: Passed 1st Reading (filed Nov 12, 2024)
Primary sponsors (NC version): Representatives Liu, Goodwin, Cervania, and Lowery
Statutory location proposed: Addition of G.S. § 115C‑81.58
Effective: “When it becomes law”; applies to courses taught beginning with the 2026–2027 school year

Purpose / intent

Require North Carolina’s Standard Course of Study to include age‑appropriate instructional units (K–12) on the history, contributions, and experiences of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities — ensuring students learn about AAPI roles in U.S. and North Carolina history and society.

Key provisions

  • Adds a new statute, G.S. § 115C‑81.58, directing that elementary through high‑school courses include age‑appropriate units on the impact of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.
  • Required topics (non‑exhaustive list):
    1. Early contributions of Asian immigrants (e.g., farmers, miners, fishermen, factory workers, laborers — including work on the transcontinental railroad).
    2. Challenges and struggles faced by Asian immigrants and their perseverance.
    3. Role of Asian Americans in the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s.
    4. Recognition of Asian Americans as the fastest growing minority group in the U.S.
    5. Contributions of AAPI individuals in government, arts and sciences, and economic, cultural, social, and political developments in North Carolina and the U.S.
  • Units must be age‑appropriate and integrated into K–12 courses under the State’s Standard Course of Study.

Who is affected

  • Public K–12 students and teachers in North Carolina.
  • Local school districts and curriculum developers; the State Board of Education/Department of Public Instruction will be responsible for incorporating the new requirement into curriculum guidance and materials.
  • Indirectly affects textbook/content providers, teacher preparation and professional development programs.

Implementation & timeline

  • The requirement applies beginning with the 2026–2027 school year, once the bill becomes law.
  • Implementation will likely involve revising curriculum guides, instructional materials, and professional development — timelines and costs are not specified in the bill text.

Potential impacts

  • Educational: increased representation of AAPI history and contributions in classroom instruction; potential benefits for cultural awareness and inclusivity.
  • Administrative: need for curriculum review, teacher training, and procurement or development of age‑appropriate materials.
  • Fiscal: the bill does not specify funding; any costs (materials, training) would be borne by existing education budgets unless supplemented by appropriation.

Procedural notes

  • Filed Nov 12, 2024; passed first reading and referred to committee(s). The bill text sets a clear effective application date (2026–2027 school year) contingent on enactment.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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