Once again, Arizona has shown it has little regard for the quality of education in public schools.
On Jan. 10, the Tucson Unified School District (TUSD) voted to terminate its ethnic studies program in adherence with a new state law.
The law, which took effect Jan. 1, 2011, “bans classes that promote the overthrow of the U.S. government, encourage resentment toward a race or class of people, are designed solely for students of a certain ethnic background and advocate ethnic solidarity instead of the treatment of students as individuals,” according to The Arizona Republic.
In reality, the law is a harsh sanction to students and teachers who wish to explore the history and cultures of different countries. It makes no distinction between learning about diverse cultures and encouraging subversive activity. Eliminating ethnic studies deteriorates the state of our public school education to one that solely embraces math, science and English.
K-12 education, specifically in arts, music and electives programs, has bared the brunt of budget cuts over the past few years. To see another enriching program be cut is disheartening, especially when it’s at the hands of xenophobia and not a dwindling budget.
Admittedly, classes that promote the overthrow of the U.S. government or deem one racial group superior are unacceptable and should be banned. Although, isn’t it more likely that ideals like these would not be due to a curriculum or class, but from a sole teacher? Regardless, the Mexican-American studies program in Tucson was anything but that.
Nicholas Dominguez, a student at Tucson High School, told The Arizona Republic that the Mexican-American studies classes helped him understand his Hispanic culture and history.
The class was not one that encouraged him to overthrow the U.S. government or resent other races. It simply taught him and his fellow students Mexican-American history and culture.
TUSD is not at fault for ending its Mexican-American studies classes. In fact, the school district tried everything in its power to fight the new law.
In October, Richard Martinez, a Tucson attorney sued the state of Arizona in federal court on behalf of Mexican-American studies teachers, The Arizona Republic reported in Jan. 2011. And, until a week ago, the school district refused to end its controversial program during the ongoing case.
The breaking point came when The Arizona Department of Education threatened to inflict harsh financial penalties on TUSD if it continued its Mexican-American studies classes.
If the school district refused to comply with the new law, The Arizona Department of Education said, they would risk losing $4.9 million.
Some department of education, right? Not only are students being robbed of an education in Mexican-American studies, but if The Arizona Department of Education had its way, students would be susceptible to more budget cuts.
In the months to come, the state of Arizona and the Arizona Department of Education should take steps to restore ethnic studies programs throughout the state.
Until then, it will be a sad period in the history of our education system.
Reach the columnist at eeeaton@asu.edu
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