HCR 51, HB 322 and SB 297 enshrine support and visibility for Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) individuals in Delaware through various means. The package of legislation officially recognizes Asian American and Pacific Islander Month, creates the Delaware Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage and Culture, and updates state education standards to recognize Asian American history in Delaware K-12 schools.

Jiang was self-motivated to make an impact, but he also had counsel from fellow UD graduates, who sponsored the bills in their official capacities. Delaware Rep. Sophie Phillips, Sen. Bryan Townsend and Rep. Madinah Wilson-Anton were integral to seeing the legislation pass through both chambers, providing Jiang with advice throughout the process.

As Jiang prepares to graduate this semester, we sat down with him to reflect on his experience and accomplishments while he studied at the Biden School.

Q: Tell us about yourself. How did you end up at UD and the Biden School?

Jiang: Delaware will always have a special place in my heart. When my parents immigrated from China in the early 2000s, they chose the University of Delaware to pursue their master’s education, and this state quickly became their new home. Raised in Delaware’s tight-knit Chinese community, I wanted to give back and advocate for Asian Americans.

Q: What experiences helped shape your interest in public policy? How did that translate to your involvement in various groups and experiences at UD?

Jiang: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the rise in anti-Asian rhetoric, violence and bullying made me feel powerless. Seeing the lack of political representation and visibility Asian Americans had in government to stand up against Asian hate frustrated me. I wanted to be a voice for my community.

Q: What inspired you to get involved in the Delaware State Legislature? What are some of your most memorable experiences from working there?

Jiang: President Joe Biden’s 2020 election deeply inspired me. I admire his character and commitment to public service. Most of all, he’s demonstrated how someone from our small state can become President. President Biden condemned Asian hate as a presidential candidate and quickly followed up on his word by signing the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act into law. At that moment, I saw the tremendous impact of public policy and how it uplifted my community. I was eager to learn the language of government and equip myself with legislative tools to combat hate and fear.

As a legislative intern in the state senate, I was touched by the kindness and opportunities I received. The staff wanted to see me succeed, and elected officials took time to get to know me. One senator resonated with my advocacy for Asian American justice and sat down to discuss the issue with me in depth. Meeting Rep. Madinah Wilson-Anton, the first Muslim and the youngest member of the House at the time, empowered me. For the first time, I could picture myself as a state legislator.

Q: Explain your connection to HB 322 and SB 297. Why was it important to see the passage of this legislation?

Jiang: I co-founded Make Us Visible Delaware in 2023 and led the creation and passage of SB 297 into law. By requiring Asian American history in Delaware K-12 schools, I hope to replace divisive stereotypes with unifying understanding. The law additionally mandates the integration of all racial and cultural history to guard against prejudice for everyone. I envision students learning about George ‘Yod’ Dupont, a Thai immigrant who fought against slavery in the Civil War; Pio Decano, a Filipino immigrant who challenged alien land laws in a landmark court case to secure property rights for immigrants in Washington state; and Jackie Young, a Korean American woman who led Title IX implementation efforts to advance gender equality in education and equal opportunities for girls. It is important to share the stories of Americans whose histories have been traditionally overlooked and untold.

Christina School Board Member Y.F. Lou and I discussed the need to center Asian American voices and increase political representation in government. HB 322 creates an Asian American Pacific Islander Commission in Delaware that will advise the governor and state lawmakers while promoting AAPI culture and community engagement throughout the state.

Q: What are your goals for after graduation?

Jiang: I hope to serve Delaware as its first Chinese American state legislator and encourage a generation of Asian Americans to pursue public service.

Q: What advice do you have for other undergraduate students interested in public policy?

Jiang: Reflect on what you believe is immoral or unjust, and ask yourself what you can do about it. You may not always be the loudest voice in the room, but always strive to be the most persistent and never waver from your fundamental values.