The foundation of Critical Race Theory is now being placed in California schools. Friday afternoon Governor Newsom signed AB 101 which requires high school students to take ethnic studies to graduate. The requirement will start with the high school class of 2030.
The bill’s author, Assemblyman Jose Medina from Riverside said, “Students cannot have a full understanding of the history of our state and nation without the inclusion of the contributions and struggles of Native Americans, African Americans, Latinos, and Asian Americans.” Recently, a version of the curriculum was heavily criticized by Jewish groups for being anti-semitic and filled with a number of ridiculous terms. One of the subsections of the new ethnic studies course include, “Chicana/o/x and Latina/o/x Studies”. Chicanx and Latinx are “gender-neutral” terms for those who are of Latino or Chicano descent. Some of the lessons taught include, “#BlackLivesMatter and Social Change”, “This is Indian Land: The Purpose, Politics, and Practice of Land Acknowledgment”, and “ Afrofuturism: Reimagining Black Futures and Science Fiction”. San Diego, San Francisco, and Fresno Unified School districts already require students to take ethnic studies to graduate.
However, many minority groups are opposed to this bill. Victoria Samper, a parent and volunteer for Latinx for Quality Education says her group opposes the bill because it creates a “victim mentality”. Samper also says that ethnic studies should focus on historical figures instead of pushing social justice, “There are lots of people, important historical figures who are positive role models. You have a lot of musicians and athletes who are good role models. Teaching students that they are oppressed is not the way to go.”
It is unfortunate that high school students will be forced to take such politically charged courses, rather than learn the history and accomplishments of minority figures.
Photo Cred: KIRBY LEE/AP
