New Legislation Aims to Reshape Ethnic Studies
In a bid to revamp the teaching of ethnic studies in California schools, a group of thirty-one legislators, spearheaded by the Legislative Jewish Caucus, are pushing for a fresh start after years of controversy. The move comes in response to complaints and lawsuits alleging biased and antisemitic course content in some districts, which has prompted the introduction of Assembly Bill 1468. This legislation aims to replace a voluntary curriculum with academic standards that would dictate the content and instruction of ethnic studies courses.
The California Ethnic Studies Model Curriculum, a nearly 700-page document adopted in 2021, has left school districts grappling with ambiguous guidelines on what constitutes an ethnic studies course. Assemblymember Dawn Addis, a former teacher, emphasizes the need for standardized academic standards, akin to those in other subjects like English and history, to ensure a consistent educational experience for students. She stresses that the bill seeks to address issues of antisemitism and community discord that have arisen due to the lack of clear guidelines.
Proposed Changes and Oversight Measures
Assembly Bill 1468 not only calls for academic standards but also introduces new disclosure and oversight measures specific to ethnic studies. If passed, the bill would require school districts to submit their ethnic studies curricula to the California Department of Education for review. Additionally, the Instructional Quality Commission would recommend a framework and instructional materials aligned with the new standards. The bill also mandates annual compliance reports by the California Department of Education and requires content providers and standards trainers to submit materials for state approval.
Despite these intentions, opposition to the bill is expected to be fierce. Tricia Gallagher-Geursten, a lecturer in ethnic studies at the University of California, San Diego, criticizes the proposed legislation, citing concerns about censorship and its impact on critical discussions around human rights and social justice. She argues that the bill undermines the academic freedom and integrity of ethnic studies by stifling diverse perspectives.
Controversy Surrounding Liberated Ethnic Studies
The legislation takes aim at alternative approaches like Liberated Ethnic Studies, which emphasizes themes of white supremacy and capitalism as well as solidarity with marginalized groups. Developed as a response to the rejection of an initial draft of the model curriculum by the State Board, the Liberated version has garnered support from educators who find its perspective empowering for students. However, critics argue that the curriculum promotes a biased narrative and infringes on academic freedom.
The Liberated curriculum has also garnered attention for its focus on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, drawing criticism for alleged antisemitic content. Recent incidents in California schools, including physical abuse and hate speech targeting Jewish students, have underscored the need for clearer guidelines in ethnic studies curricula. While the proposed bill does not ban discussions on the Israel-Palestine issue, it aims to refocus ethnic studies on the experiences of historically marginalized communities in America.
In a bid to address these concerns, the bill proposes the formation of an advisory committee composed of experts in ethnic studies, with an emphasis on including voices from communities affected by hate crimes. While some fear a repeat of past controversies in curriculum development, the bill’s authors stress that the advisory committee would prioritize traditional perspectives and inclusivity, steering clear of ideological biases.
Governor Gavin Newsom, who has pledged to counter antisemitism and strengthen educational guardrails, is expected to support the legislation. As California navigates the complexities of reshaping ethnic studies, the proposed bill offers a path forward towards a more inclusive and standardized educational experience for students statewide.
