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May is Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month, also commonly known as Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month or Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month.
In the California Community Colleges system, we collect detailed data on 24 AANHPI identities, yet most reporting collapses this richness into just three categories: Asian, Filipino, and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander.
This aggregation practice is significant because it directly shapes who is visible in the data—and who is not. Reducing dozens of distinct communities to three categories erases critical differences in culture, language, and student experience; and limits our ability to identify disparities, target resources effectively, and design supports that reflect the realities of students’ lives. Without that visibility, equity efforts risk being too broad to be meaningful, leaving some of the most impacted communities unseen and underserved.
Momentum is building to change this practice. Following the cancellation of federal grants for minority-serving institutions, Assembly Member Mike Fong has introduced new legislation to create a California version of the federal Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI) designation, advancing more intentional recognition and support for these diverse communities. Assembly Bill 2374 would recognize colleges and universities that demonstrate a strong commitment to supporting AANHPI students. Institutions must meet criteria tied to student outcomes, equity goals, and culturally responsive supports.
As we recognize Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, it’s an opportunity to do more than celebrate—let’s also acknowledge the diversity and unique contributions within AANHPI communities. Moving beyond broad categories is essential to ensuring every group is seen, understood, and meaningfully supported.
Want to learn more about and explore ways to support AANHPI students? Check out these resources to get started:
- Visibility Guide: An Examination of Aggregation and Suppression Practices in Race and Ethnicity Data with practical tips for engaging in more inclusive data practices
- AAPI Data Guide on timely policy issues related to education
- The Asian American Foundation (TAAF) AANHPI Toolkit to explore ways to honor and support AANHPI communities and culture
- UCLA’s MSI Data Dashboard for national and state-level data on minority-serving institutions (MSIs)