SFUSD Replaces Controversial Ethnic Studies Curriculum Amidst Parent Backlash

San Francisco, CA – The San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) has announced a significant change to its ethnic studies curriculum for the upcoming 2025-26 school year, opting for an interim, off-the-shelf program to replace its previously developed materials. This decision, made by Superintendent Maria Su, comes after months of intense criticism from parents and community groups who labeled the homegrown curriculum as divisive and ideologically driven.

The district's move aims to address widespread concerns regarding the content of the mandatory year-long course for freshmen. Critics cited problematic elements, including references to figures like Mumia Abu-Jamal and the inclusion of the Chinese Red Guards as a social movement, alongside allegations of promoting "white male privilege" and antisemitic viewpoints. Superintendent Su stated the previous curriculum had "flaws" and did not reflect the "true tenets" of ethnic studies.

While the ethnic studies course remains a graduation requirement, the shift to a standardized curriculum from a national educational provider marks a departure from the district's prior approach. An audit of the original materials is underway, with a permanent, board-approved curriculum expected to be developed following this review period.

Amidst these changes, a recent social media post by Liz4SF claimed the Board of Education plans to "vote Yes on unvetted ethnic studies" and alleged that "thousands of sfusd kids opted out" and that "the few students that attended the course have expressed regret, saying it was a rant on victimhood." However, official reports indicate the district has already moved to replace the curriculum, and data from the previous year showed only nine students opted out of the course. Furthermore, student surveys cited by local media revealed high satisfaction, with 85% feeling good about themselves and 92% encouraged to work with diverse backgrounds after taking the class.

The controversy surrounding ethnic studies is not unique to San Francisco, with similar debates occurring in other California districts. Superintendent Su emphasized the importance of ethnic studies in fostering critical thinking and cultural understanding, stating, "teaching should be about teaching students how to think," not what to think. The district will also implement new administrative regulations requiring review for all supplemental teaching materials.