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Anthony Trevizo
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Expanded Curriculum-California is Making Ethnic Studies Mandatory in High Schools
The expansion of ethnic studies curriculum in schools has been a growing movement across the United States and beyond. Educators, communities and policy makers are increasingly recognizing the importance of teaching diverse histories, cultures and perspectives. Several states including Oregon and Texas have passed laws requiring and encouraging ethnic studies courses in K-12 schools. In fact, California has become the first state to require ethnic studies as a high school graduation requirement. In 2021 Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 101, mandating that students graduating in the class of 2030 must complete a semester-long ethnic studies course. California high schools are required to start offering these courses beginning in the 2025-2026 school year.
Studies have shown that ethnic studies courses have improved student academic performance, especially among marginalized groups. The goal of the expansion of ethnic studies in schools is to ensure that the curriculum reflects the diversity of student populations and to provide students with a deeper understanding of the histories, cultures, and contributions of historically marginalized groups, such as African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, and Asian Americans. This initiative aims to foster critical thinking, empathy, and a more inclusive perspective among students and prepare them to become active participants in a multicultural society. It provides students with the opportunity to learn about their own heritage as well as the heritage and contribution of others, promoting a more inclusive and accurate understanding of history.
Ethnic Studies Might Face Bans in Some States
There have been some efforts of political pushback in certain states to ban or restrict school programs containing ethnic studies within the curriculum. Ethnic studies programs have faced bans or restrictions in certain states due to political, ideological, and cultural concerns. These bans typically arise from debates over the content of the curriculum, the framing of the history of the United States, and different views on issues like race, identity and system inequalities. For example, Arizona passed a law in 2010 banning ethnic studies in public schools, specifically targeting the Mexican American studies program in Tucson. This law was eventually overturned by a federal court in 2017.
More recently, states like Florida, Texas, and others have introduced or passed legislation limiting the teaching of racial history and critical race theory in schools. These laws often prohibit teaching what they term "divisive concepts" or make it difficult to discuss topics related to race and racism in the classroom. Some political leaders are rejecting the ideologies of ethnic studies claiming that they are over progressive and anti-American. Some parents and community groups have growing concerns and oppose ethnic studies for fear of introducing such controversial topics like racism and privilege to students at too young of an age. Ethnic Studies continues to be a contentious issue, with strong arguments on both sides of the fence. Some believe that ethnic studies are essential for fostering understanding and empathy, while others argue that they can be divisive or promote a particular political agenda.
Ethnic Studies Ideas Integrated into Government Policy
Ethnic studies concepts are increasingly being integrated into government policies through education legislation, curriculum standards, and state and district level mandates and initiatives. For example, California's Assembly Bill 101, which mandates ethnic studies in high schools, is a significant step towards incorporating these ideas into the educational system. The goal is to provide students with a more comprehensive understanding of the diverse cultures and histories of various ethnic groups.
Additionally, ethnic studies principles are being considered in other areas of policy-making, such as in efforts to address systemic racism and promote social injustices. These ideas are influencing how governments approach issues related to education, criminal justice, and public health, among others. It's an exciting time for the field of ethnic studies as it continues to shape and inform public policy. These efforts reflect a growing recognition of the importance of representing the diverse histories and perspectives within the public education system.
Intersectionality Focus: Ethnic Studies Will Increasingly Focus on Intersectionality
intersectionality is becoming a key focus in ethnic studies. This approach examines and explores how various social identities such as race, gender, sexuality, class, immigration status and ability intersect and shape individuals' experiences of privilege, resistance and oppression. The concept was coined by Kimberlé Crenshaw in the late 1980s to address the unique experiences of Black women who often faced both racial and gender-based discrimination.
By incorporating intersectionality, ethnic studies can provide a more nuanced understanding of how different forms of discrimination overlap and affect individuals in unique ways. This broader perspective helps to foster a more inclusive and comprehensive approach to social injustice and equality.
Expansion of Curriculum: Ethnic studies programs are likely to continue expanding, incorporating more diverse perspectives and intersectional approaches. This includes exploring the experiences of various marginalized groups and examining how different forms of discrimination intersect.
Legislative Support: More states may follow California's lead in mandating ethnic studies in schools. This could lead to a broader acceptance, integration and normalization of these programs across the United States.
Incorporation of New Categories: The field is continually evolving, with new categories such as disability studies being added to the curriculum. This reflects a growing recognition of the diverse experiences and identities that shape our world.
Research and Scholarship: Ethnic studies will continue to produce innovative research that challenges traditional narratives and offers new insights into social injustice and inequality.
Challenges and Debates: As ethnic studies gains prominence, it will also face challenges, including debates over curriculum content, political opposition, and issues of implementation in diverse educational settings.
Global Reach: Ethnic studies is not just limited to the United States alone. The analytical tools and frameworks developed in ethnic studies are being applied globally to understand race, ethnicity, class, gender, and other social constructs in different cultural contexts worldwide.
Sources
Fensterwald, J. (2021) California Becomes First State to Require Ethnic Studies in High School, edsource.org
Hodges, M. Ethnic Studies for All: California’s New High School Requirement, california100.org
Van Tuyl, C. (2024) Coronado High School Launches New Ethnic Studies Class: An Interview with Dr. Megan Battle, CUSD Director of Learning, coronadotimes.com
Campabadal Graus, M. (2023) Kamala Harris Claim About the States Banning Teaching Latino History Relies on Some Flawed Examples, poliitifact.com
LePage, B. (2021) These are the States that Passed Laws Restricting the Teaching of Racial History, the74million.org
Hu-DeHart, E (1993) The History, Development, and Future of Ethnic Studies, jstor.org
(2024) The importance and Challenges of Ethnic Studies Curriculum, forwardpathway.us
Sagas, E. (2018) Why We Need Ethnic Studies (Now More Than Ever) magazine.libarts.colostate.edu
Penner, E.K. (2023) Access to Ethnic Studies in California Public Schools, files.eric.ed.gov
Viveros, M.A. Growth and Expansion of Ethnic Studies, socialsci.libretexts.org
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