Statement of Support for the Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander Communities

In recent months, members of the Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander communities have suffered deliberate violence. These escalating attacks are part of a historical pattern of racism occurring throughout our nation’s history. American Reading Company strives to stand in solidarity with the Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander communities.

Our nation’s classrooms reflect a broad diversity of races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, gender identities, religions, and nationalities. However, the instructional materials in classrooms do not mirror this diversity. The Cooperative Children’s Book Center, School of Education, University of Wisconsin-Madison reports that only 7% of children’s books depict Asian Pacific Islander/Asian Pacific American characters. Every day at ARC, we challenge ourselves and the more than 250 publishers we work with to create curriculum, books, and learning experiences that honor and celebrate the unique histories and cultures of every student, including the vibrant and diverse Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander communities.

This work would not be possible without the robust contributions of our Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander employees, customers, and communities. The team at ARC is working together to ensure that our Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander-identifying members are heard, safe, and supported. We recognize the intersectional nature of oppression and racism and extend our allyship and resources to the broader community targeted by hatred and violence.

— Jane Hileman

CEO & Founder, American Reading Company