Gov. Tony Evers signed into law on Thursday a bipartisan measure requiring Wisconsin schools teach Asian American and Hmong American history.

Evers signed the legislation at an elementary in Wausau. The city is home to approximately 4,700 Hmong. According to the Hmong American Center, that is 12%, or 4,700 Hmong, of Wausau’s population.

Evers stated in a press release that “the Hmong and Asian American Communities are an important part of the history, culture and economy of our state, as well as our future.” “It is important to celebrate our shared history and honor those who have helped make Wisconsin what it is today.”

Hmong were persecuted in China as an ethnic minority. They fled to the mountains in Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam. Tens of thousands of Hmong fought in the Vietnam War for the United States. As communist regimes took over the region, refugees fled to refugee camps near Thailand. They then resettled in California, Minneapolis, and central Wisconsin.

According to the Hmong American Center, Wisconsin has a Hmong population that is 50,000. California’s Hmong count is 80,000. Minnesota’s Hmong count is 70,000.

Wisconsin’s current law requires that K-12 schools teach Black, Hispanic, and Native American history. New law requires that Hmong and Asian American history be included in the required curriculum. The goal of the new law is to increase awareness and understanding about Hmong and Asian American cultures, histories and traditions.

The measure was widely supported in the Legislature by the state education department as well as the Wisconsin Council of Churches, the state teacher’s union, and other groups. No registered opponents were found.