Yesterday on the BreakDrink 19 podcast we briefly discussed the recent measure signed by Gov. Jan Brewer that prohibits Ethnic Studies Courses. This law is geared at eliminating Mexican American Studies, Native American Studies, and African American Studies courses from classrooms in the state of Arizona. The law specifically prohibits courses that: 1) are designed for a particular ethnic group; 2) advocate ethnic solidarity; 3) promote resentment towards a race or class of people; or 4) advocate for the overthrow of the government. The citizens of Arizona may have seen this one coming as this has been debated for a couple of years but now the law is now a reality.
Last night if you tuned into Anderson Cooper you could have watched Arizona’s Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tom Horne, discuss why he pushed for the ban on ethnic studies. It seems that he thinks they are a “downer” and he may be fearful of young Latino students wearing khaki. He is joined in the debate by Sociologist Dr. Michale Eric Dyson who believes that an all encompassing approach to American History is needed.
Do you feel that a students educational experience can be enhanced by Ethnic Studies courses? Is it important that students learn about oppression and the impact on minority communities? Is the Arizona law just another law in the long line of unjust, xenophobic, homophobic laws passed by an out of control state legislators? What do you think BreakDrinkers?
You can watch the debate by clicking on the image below (will redirect):
