EDUCATION: Should ethnic studies be high school requirement?
A group of Inland professors, students, and community organizers says yes, and is beginning a campaign in local districts.
A group of Inland professors, students, and community organizers want school districts in the area to offer ethnic studies classes as a high school graduation requirement.
They’re beginning their campaign with San Bernardino City Unified and will then make their proposal to districts in Colton, Rialto, Fontana, Riverside, and Moreno Valley.
Ethnic studies could encompass a range in curriculum from Asian American and Chicano studies to African-American and gender issues.
The push for ethnic studies in the Inland Empire follows legislation passed by the state Assembly on Wednesday, Sept. 9, that would develop a model ethnic studies curriculum for optional use statewide. The bill now heads to the governor.
Assemblywoman Melissa Melendez, R-Lake Elsinore, and senators Mike Morrell, R-Rancho Cucamonga, and Jeff Stone, R-Temecula, have voted against the bill.
“I’m a strong advocate of local control and don’t believe Sacramento should be dictating what school districts teach,” Morrell said in a statement Friday, Sept. 11. “Ethnic studies classes are already offered at schools throughout the state. It’s a decision best left in their hands.”
One Inland advocate, though, said ethnic studies could help address issues affecting Inland Chicano youth such as gang violence and low graduation rates by helping students become more aware of their identity.
“One of the things ethnic studies programs do is help students reconnect with their identity, particularly Chicano students with their indigenous identity and their heritage,” said Mary Valdemar, co-founder of the Chicano Indigenous Community for Culturally Conscious Advocacy and Action in Colton.
“We believe recreating that connection benefits the entire community and certainly benefits the most EDUCATION: Should ethnic studies be high school requirement? - Press Enterprise:
