Ethnic Studies Week, October 1-7

2010

• October 12th, 2010 6:02 am PT

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The first Ethnic Studies Week was initiated on October 1-7 by a group of 210 educators from 27 stateswho “dedicate themselves to expanding not banning ethnic studies.”

Endorsed by over 50 national and local organizations including the National Association of Ethnic Studies, the National Council of Black Scholars, College Progressives (A National Student Organization) and dozens of university departments, schools, unions and activist organizations, Ethnic Studies Week was inspired by opposition to Arizona’s House Bill 2281 banning ethnic studies in that state’s public schools.

Passed in the wake of the equally controversial anti-immigrant bill SB1070, the education bill specifically targeted the Mexican American Studies Department of the Tucson Unified School District.

During Ethnic Studies Week, hundreds of students across the country, from K-12 to college, listened to speakers, watched films and paused to reflect on the importance of ethnic studies amidst the growing “crisis for multicultural education.”

“Multicultural education and the discussion of the histories of all peoples of the United States should be encouraged rather than banned and censored,” said Larry Shinigawa, a board member of the National Association for Ethnic Studies. “I am glad that we are seeing a broad-based coalition of educators and education activists who believe in taking a stand against reactionism and nativist jingoism.”

Ethnic Studies in Orange County
In southern California, Ethnic Studies Week events were held in Los Angeles, San Diego and Long Beach. Although the week was not officially commemorated in Orange County, ethnic studies remain an important part of their curricula, according to college educators here.

"We are pleased that Santiago Canyon College recognizes the importance, significance and value of the diverse people who have been instrumental in the formation and growth of the United States,” said Dr. Aracely Mora, Interim Vice President Academic Affairs, Santiago Canyon College. “Our college offers coursework that allows students to study and explore the historical and cultural contributions of ethnic groups.”

Orange Coast College has two full time faculty members teaching a total of 8 classes in ethnic studies, including “Contemporary Ethnic America,” “Ethnic Groups in the U.S.,” and “The Ethnic Family.”

 More information about Ethnic Studies Week.