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California Governor Gavin Newsom (R) on Friday signed a bill requiring all students to take an ethnic studies course in order to graduate from high school.
Why is this important: Ethnic studies programs encourage a broader narrative of history to include the experiences of Native Americans, Latinos, and Blacks. The legislation comes as more and more states begin to offer such courses.
- Schools that offer such programs have seen lower dropout rates, a study suggests, as well as an increase in college acceptances.
The big picture: The requirement will not take effect until 2029, but schools are required to offer ethnic studies courses from 2025 in order to give schools time to develop curricula.
- In March, the California State Board of Education unanimously approved a model ethnic studies curriculum for its Kindergarten to Grade 12 students, which aims to “illuminate the often untold struggles and contributions of Native Americans, African Americans, Latin Americans / Americans and Asian Americans in California. “
What they say: Newsom said the legislation will help “expand educational opportunities in schools, teach students about the diverse communities that make up California, and boost academic engagement and success.”
- “The bill also provides a number of safeguards to ensure that classes will be free from bias or bigotry and appropriate for all students,” Newsom said in a statement.
- “The signing of AB 101 today is a step in the long struggle for equal education for all students,” said Assembly member José Medina.
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