Home California Bill to Mandate Ethnic Studies Passes Assembly Education Committee

Bill to Mandate Ethnic Studies Passes Assembly Education Committee

by ECT

Sacramento – Assemblymember Jose Medina’s (D-Riverside) bill AB 101, which would make ethnic studies a graduation requirement, passed the Assembly Education Committee.

It passed in a 5-2 vote last week with republicans Megan Dahle and Kevin Kiley voting against.

AB 101 would add the completion of a course in ethnic studies based on model curriculum or existing ethnic studies course that meets the A-G requirement, starting in the 2025-26 school year, and would require all students to have taken one semester course in ethnic studies for students graduating in 2029-30.

AB 101 would update high school curriculum and make it reflective of California’s diverse population.

“Knowledge of history plays a critical role in shaping who we become. When I was growing up, the history teacher of those who look like me was not represented in the classroom. As a former Ethnic Studies teacher, I saw firsthand how much engaged my students were when they saw themselves reflected in the coursework. In order to build racial justice in this state and country, all of our students need to learn the real history of America – that history includes the diverse experience and perspectives of people of color. I remain committed to ensuring we can make Ethnic Studies a high school graduation requirement,” stated Medina.

AB 101 will next be heard in the Assembly Appropriations Committee.

The bill was introduced in January by Medina.

“When you see yourself represented in what you are learning, you are more likely to want to learn, to want to read that textbook or that literature book and study how your ancestors have contributed, said Michelle Alas, student, Northgate High School in Walnut Creek, and member of Generation Up.

“Ethnic studies will serve as a preventative measure for further societal inequities and will be the basis of permissive and civically aware mindsets, said Sanya Dhama, student, Santiago High School in Corona, and member of California Association of Student Councils (CASC). “By congregating, increasing cultural competence, and connecting with each member of our diverse community, we will work towards a more unified community and country.”

“As civil unrest and racial tension have risen across the nation, ethnic studies provides hope for fostering understanding and unity,” said Assemblymember Jose Medina. “Requiring ethnic studies to be taught in high schools ensures that our state’s diversity is reflected in our education system. It is vital for students to learn about their history. This empowers students because they see their backgrounds, cultures, and experiences reflected in their studies for the first time. AB 101 is necessary to ensure all students develop a foundational and accurate understanding of United States history. I am re-introducing this bill because we can’t afford to wait any longer. The time is now to ensure ethnic studies for all by making it a high school graduation requirement.”

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7 comments

BS Apr 13, 2021 - 6:49 am

Because we need more of that victim, poor me,, bullshit stuffed down our throats!

Robert C. Apr 13, 2021 - 11:27 am

Stand by for a “statement” from Tony Thurmond.

ME Apr 13, 2021 - 1:58 pm

That great!! A lot of the people in comments on this site could use some ethnic studies. There is more to this world than your little bubbles.

Elizabeth Parker Apr 14, 2021 - 12:19 am

ROBERT C — Tony was featured on the news last night promoting this nonsense. This is another reason we are going to enroll our kids in private schools where they don’t have to waste valuable school time with this crap.

Jg Apr 14, 2021 - 11:17 am

Elizabeth,
Sadly, the “ethnic study” will be based on an interpretation of special interests. A bias mind game on public school education that conditions our children to conform to the special interest in charge at the time. Private Schools are a choice and not forced educational curriculum. This is why the public needs to push for school choice in all public school systems. This will weed out radical conditioning in schools.

David Dunn Apr 14, 2021 - 4:29 pm

My siblings and I were in public (government) schools for ONE DAY and are forever grateful to our parents for pulling us out and placing us in private schools where we got an EDUCATION and not an INDOCTRINATION. I know that not every parent can afford this, but then people who have kids in public schools should make A BIG STINK about this “ethnic” nonsense and demand it be dropped or don’t send your kids to school but home school them instead. If you’re working, ,then maybe you have retired relatives who could do that.

Elizabeth Parker Apr 14, 2021 - 4:32 pm

ME — No we don’t need it! We’re doing just fine as are our kids, thank you!

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