CSU ethnic studies ruling

At least one ethnic studies course must be completed by students to graduate from the California State University (CSU), according to Assembly Bill 1460 signed into law by California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Aug. 17. The bill, which goes into effect with the 2021-22 school year, sets the requirement beginning with the graduating class of 2025. Among the courses offered will be African American, Latinx American, Asian American and Native American studies. Courses on police reform, disparities in health and Native Californian perspectives will also meet the new requirements. “Ethnic studies will provide the knowledge and understanding needed to navigate a multi-cultural and rapidly evolving nation,” California State Assemblywoman Shirley Weber, a professor of Africana studies at San Diego University and author of the bill, said. “This bill reflects 50 years of student, faculty, and community advocacy for curriculum reflective of and responsive to our diverse state.” This marks the first significant change to CSU’s general education requirements in 40 years, making California the first state to implement ethnic studies as a graduation requirement in a four-year public university system. The decision was made following Black Lives Matter protests and demands for the representation of historically oppressed groups in education, including petitions from Diversify Our Narrative, which aim to create a more inclusive literature curriculum nationwide. Following advocacy for more progressive education, faculty on the 23 CSU campuses will develop plans and coursework to meet the needs of their students and communities.

latimes.com

At least one ethnic studies course must be completed by students to graduate from the California State University (CSU), according to Assembly Bill 1460 signed into law by California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Aug. 17. The bill, which goes into effect with the 2021-22 school year, sets the requirement beginning with the graduating class of 2025. Among the courses offered will be African American, Latinx American, Asian American and Native American studies. Courses on police reform, disparities in health and Native Californian perspectives will also meet the new requirements. “Ethnic studies will provide the knowledge and understanding needed to navigate a multi-cultural and rapidly evolving nation,” California State Assemblywoman Shirley Weber, a professor of Africana studies at San Diego University and author of the bill, said. “This bill reflects 50 years of student, faculty, and community advocacy for curriculum reflective of and responsive to our diverse state.” This marks the first significant change to CSU’s general education requirements in 40 years, making California the first state to implement ethnic studies as a graduation requirement in a four-year public university system. The decision was made following Black Lives Matter protests and demands for the representation of historically oppressed groups in education, including petitions from Diversify Our Narrative, which aim to create a more inclusive literature curriculum nationwide. Following advocacy for more progressive education, faculty on the 23 CSU campuses will develop plans and coursework to meet the needs of their students and communities.

Jonathan Kang, Editor-in-Chief
September 27, 2020

At least one ethnic studies course must be completed by students to graduate from the California State University (CSU), according to Assembly Bill 1460 signed into law by California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Aug. 17.

The bill, which goes into effect with the 2021-22 school year, sets the requirement beginning with the graduating class of 2025. Among the courses offered will be African American, Latinx American, Asian American and Native American studies. Courses on police reform, disparities in health and Native Californian perspectives will also meet the new requirements.

“Ethnic studies will provide the knowledge and understanding needed to navigate a multi-cultural and rapidly evolving nation,” California State Assemblywoman Shirley Weber, a professor of Africana studies at San Diego University and author of the bill, said. “This bill reflects 50 years of student, faculty, and community advocacy for curriculum reflective of and responsive to our diverse state.”

This marks the first significant change to CSU’s general education requirements in 40 years, making California the first state to implement ethnic studies as a graduation requirement in a four-year public university system.

The decision was made following Black Lives Matter protests and demands for the representation of historically oppressed groups in education, including petitions from Diversify Our Narrative, which aim to create a more inclusive literature curriculum nationwide.

Following advocacy for more progressive education, faculty on the 23 CSU campuses will develop plans and coursework to meet the needs of their students and communities.