Overview
This lecture discusses the history, impact, and ongoing struggle for ethnic studies programs in US schools, emphasizing their transformative power and the challenges they face.
Personal Background & Inspiration
- Ron Speedu has taught ethnic, Chicano, and African-American studies for nine years in South Los Angeles.
- Family history includes experiences with discrimination in education and advocacy for bilingual and inclusive teaching.
- Personal educational journey lacked exposure to ethnic authors and histories until college.
Ethnic Studies: Importance & Impact
- Ethnic studies empower, liberate, and transform students of all backgrounds.
- Research shows positive academic and social outcomes for students in ethnic studies.
- Despite evidence, ethnic studies remain rare in K-12 and have faced bans (e.g., Arizona).
History of Ethnic Studies in the US
- Originated in 1968 with the third world Liberation Front at San Francisco State University.
- Led to student activism, creation of college ethnic studies programs, and spread to universities nationwide.
- High school activism paralleled, notably with the East LA walkouts demanding bilingual, culturally relevant education.
Model Programs & Results
- Tucson, Arizona's Mexican-American studies program was the first district-wide ethnic studies program.
- The program achieved high graduation (93%) and college acceptance rates (85%) among participants.
- Students in the program outperformed peers academically, including in subjects not directly taught.
Challenges and Resistance
- In 2011, Arizona politicians banned the Tucson program, calling it un-American.
- Books by Latino authors were removed from schools, and teachers accused of promoting disloyalty.
- Community responded with protests, book smuggling, and advocacy for reinstatement.
Building Ethnic Studies Curriculum
- Three components: decolonial (challenging mainstream narratives), culturally relevant, and community responsive/social justice-based.
- Curriculum celebrates students' heritage, includes unsung heroes, and addresses black-brown unity.
- Emphasizes critical thinking, reading, writing, and project-based learning.
Student Projects & Community Engagement
- Students create “missing chapter” books on black and brown unity, filling gaps in official textbooks.
- Engaged in popup book projects symbolizing resilience of knowledge despite bans and censorship.
- Projects showcased in community spaces and garnered national attention.
Current Movements and Call to Action
- Push underway to offer ethnic studies to all LA high school students; current access remains extremely limited.
- Ongoing legal and activist efforts to expand ethnic studies in California, Arizona, and Texas.
- Educators encouraged to integrate ethnic studies into all disciplines.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Ethnic Studies — Academic field examining histories, cultures, and perspectives of marginalized racial and ethnic groups.
- Decolonial — Challenging colonial narratives and highlighting pre-colonial histories and perspectives.
- Culturally Relevant Curriculum — Coursework reflecting the backgrounds and experiences of the student community.
- Community Responsive — Curriculum tailored to address local histories, needs, and social justice issues.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Attend or participate in ethnic studies rallies or school board meetings.
- Encourage local schools and districts to adopt ethnic studies curricula.
- Educators: incorporate ethnic studies content and pedagogy into your subject area.
- Raise awareness about the benefits and necessity of ethnic studies in K-12 education.