California's Ethnic Studies Mandate Faces Funding Pause Amid Contentious Debates

Sacramento, California – The implementation of ethnic studies as a high school graduation requirement in California is facing significant challenges, including a recent funding pause by Governor Gavin Newsom and ongoing controversies over curriculum content. The debate reflects broader national discussions about how race, history, and identity are taught in public schools, drawing strong opinions from various stakeholders.

A recent social media post by Zach Alberico, stating, "These ethnic studies programs are really awful," encapsulates a critical viewpoint within this complex discourse. While the state's AB 101, signed into law in 2021, mandates that students graduating in 2030 and beyond must complete a one-semester ethnic studies course, its rollout has been fraught with contention.

Critics, including some Jewish organizations and parent groups, have raised concerns about certain curricula being politically charged, lacking balance, or promoting specific ideologies. For instance, the Santa Ana Unified School District recently settled a lawsuit over allegations of antisemitic content in its ethnic studies courses. Similarly, the San Francisco Unified School District's homegrown curriculum has faced scrutiny for including material deemed divisive or historically inaccurate by some parents.

Conversely, proponents argue that ethnic studies are crucial for fostering cultural understanding, increasing engagement among marginalized students, and bridging societal divides. Research, such as a Stanford study, has indicated positive impacts on student grades and attendance, particularly for those at risk of dropping out. Supporters emphasize the importance of reflecting diverse histories and experiences in the curriculum.

The state's model curriculum, developed through a lengthy process, aimed to provide a guide, but local districts retain flexibility in designing their courses. This has led to the emergence of alternative curricula, including "Liberated Ethnic Studies," which some groups criticize, and the "Comparative Cultures Ethnic Studies Curriculum" from the Independent Institute, which aims for a more balanced approach. The recent decision by Governor Newsom to withhold state funding, citing limited resources, has further complicated the mandate's future, leaving many districts uncertain about implementation.