A bill by California Assemblyman Luis Alejo (D-Salinas) would require the state to develop a model for establishing ethnic studies programs statewide in California public schools, reports the Huffington Post.
The bill if passed would be a sharp contrast to Arizona where Mexican American studies has been banned.
“We have probably one of the most diverse student populations in the country,” Alejo said. “We recognize those unique values and history, language and literatures — all of that should be included in California’s high school curriculum.”
Hispanics make up 53 percent of California’s student body, with Asian Americans 9 percent. Despite that, much of the curriculum remains European-centric.
A similar bill passed in 2001 was vetoed by then Governor Gray Davis.
Huff Post: Bill would pave way for Ethnic Studies in California high schools: This should be nationwide not just in CA. Elected officials in should all get on the band wagon, not just get lunar new year as a offucial school holiday like they did in NY recently.