Is ethnic studies legal in Arizona?
Lawmakers prohibited Arizona schools from offering classes that promoted the overthrow of the U.S. government and resentment for a certain race or class of people. A federal judge struck down the law in 2017 after a seven-year legal battle. Teaching ethnic studies is about history, really.
Is ethnic studies still banned in Arizona?
In 2010, Gov. Jan Brewer signed a law banning Tucson’s Mexican American studies program. A federal court later ruled that the 2010 ban violated students’ constitutional rights. Today, the program is larger than it’s ever been.
Which states banned ethnic studies?
Since the 2012 ban in Arizona, nine U.S. states – California, Connecticut, Indiana, Nevada, Oregon, Texas, Vermont, Virginia and Washington – and the District of Columbia have passed laws or policies that establish standards, create committees or authorize courses for K-12 ethnic studies specifically, or multicultural …
Why was ethnic studies banned in Tucson?
The law banned courses appearing to promote resentment toward a race or class of people or advocate ethnic solidarity instead of treating people as individuals. Lawmakers passed it after Tucson Unified School District began offering classes in 1998 focused on Mexican-American history, literature and art.
Why would books about Chicano history be banned?
The ban on MAS and the banning of the books the program used is something that sends us a misleading message much like American Dirt did. It tells Chicano/Latinos that our own knowledge is not valid, but more so who we are is also considered dangerous.
What is HB 2281 Arizona?
HB 2281 prohibits a school district or charter school from including courses or classes that either promote the overthrow of the United States government or promote resentment toward a race or class of people.
What happened to the Mexican-American Studies Program in Arizona?
PHOENIX — A U.S. judge has permanently blocked an ethnic studies ban in Arizona public schools that dismantled a popular Mexican-American studies program, dealing a final blow to a law that he found to be racially motivated.
Is Tucson Unified School District free to readopt Mexican-American Studies?
Steven Reiss, an attorney for Tucson students who sued over the law, was pleased by the ruling. “That should make it clear to everyone in the state: This law is not only invalid and cannot be enforced, it makes it clear that the Tucson Unified School District is absolutely free to readopt the Mexican-American studies program,” Reiss said.
Is racial discrimination a part of Arizona Education Law?
Attorneys for the state have denied that racial discrimination played a part in the law. The Arizona Attorney General’s Office, which defended education officials in the case, said it may appeal the ruling. “We will consult with the superintendent and see how she would like to proceed,” spokesman Ryan Anderson said.
What is it like to be a white student in TUSD?
White students make up only about 20 percent of the district, and the vast majority of students qualify for free and reduced-priced lunches. TUSD’s students fall behind their peers around the state in standardized testing, and students of color fall even further behind their white peers.