Councilman Shekar Krishnan Hails $2.5M AAPI Curriculum Inclusion In NYC Schools

India-West News Desk

NEW YORK,  NY – Queens Council Member Shekar Krishnan on  July 2 celebrated what he called a “decades-long victory” with the announcement of a $2.5 million investment to implement Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) history in New York City public schools.

Standing on the steps of City Hall with fellow Council Members Linda Lee, Sandra Ung, Julie Won, and Carlina Rivera of Manhattan, Krishnan was at the forefront of the celebration marking the inclusion of the AAPI curriculum in the city’s FY2026 budget.

“This is a historic step forward,” Krishnan said in a post on social media. “We’ve fought for years to ensure AAPI history is taught in our classrooms—and now we’ve secured $2.5 million to make it happen.”

The funding, part of the Education Equity Action Plan, was included in the $116 billion city budget passed unanimously by the City Council earlier this week. The initiative is designed to embed AAPI studies more formally and comprehensively into school curricula across the five boroughs.

Krishnan, a longtime advocate for immigrant and minority communities, credited the grassroots efforts of educators, scholars, and community leaders for helping turn the push for AAPI representation in education into policy.

Celebrating with the city politicians were organizations such as the Chinese American Planning Council, Korean Community Services, South Asian Youth Action, the Asian American / Asian Research Institute , and the Asian American Education Project , which have all played key roles in championing the cause.

Supporters say the investment represents more than curriculum—it’s a step toward inclusion and recognition of the city’s diverse history.