Q: What is Ethnic Studies?

A: “Ethnic studies is an interdisciplinary field that examines the culture, history and experiences of different racial and ethnic groups in the U.S., particularly people of color and other historically marginalized groups.” (US News & World Report). College majors in the Ethnic Studies field include degrees such as African American Studies, Asian American Studies, Chicanx/Latinx studies, Native American Studies, etc. 

Q: Why Ethnic Studies now?

A: In January 2022, Governor Newsom signed Assembly Bill 101 into law which will make Ethnic Studies a graduation requirement for California students in the year 2030. The new 9th grade semester-long elective course offers students an introduction to Ethnic Studies and will meet the state requirement. For the 2024-2025 school year, FUSD is implementing a soft rollout where high schools  are encouraged to offer at least one section of the course. For 2025-2026, all incoming freshmen will take Ethnic Studies paired with health.

Q: Why is Ethnic Studies beneficial?

A: According to the California Ethnic Studies Model Curriculum, “Ethnic studies helps bring students and communities together. This does not mean glossing over differences, avoiding difficult issues, or resorting to clichés about how we are all basically alike. It should do so by simultaneously doing three things: (1) addressing racialized experiences and ethnic differences as real and unique; (2) building greater understanding and communication across ethnic differences; and (3) revealing underlying commonalities that can bind by bringing individuals and groups together.” Research by Stanford University has also shown that when students took a high school Ethnic Studies class, the benefits included:  increased attendance, increased course completion (credits), and an increase in GPA. They were also more likely to enroll in college after graduation.

Q: Does Ethnic studies count toward (A-G) requirements?

A: Yes! To be eligible to enter a four-year public college (either the California State University or University of California systems), students must meet a series of course requirements called A through G (A-G). Students must pass the A-G course requirements – 15 specific high school courses with a grade of C or better. Intro to Ethnic Studies has been approved through the University of California to meet "G" category coursework.