The 19th Annual Conference of the Association of Raza Educators (ARE), titled “Land, River, SeEthnic Studies to be Free,” convened at Los Angeles Mission College in Sylmar, California. This significant event brought together educators from across the state to tackle pertinent issues within Ethnic Studies and educational advocacy. The conference aimed to foster strategic discussions on how to bolster the Ethnic Studies curriculum and support its community in light of mounting resistance and challenges.
Addressing Opposition to Ethnic Studies
Challenges and Resistance
Speakers and participants at the conference delved deeply into the multifaceted difficulties in promoting Ethnic Studies, sharing firsthand accounts of prevalent curriculum attacks. Dr. Samia Shoman, the keynote speaker, underscored the statewide and governmental origins of these challenges, emphasizing that these obstacles are neither isolated nor insignificant. Despite these hardships, a recurring theme at the conference was the paramount importance of persisting in efforts to enhance educational quality and inclusiveness. Educators were urged to remain steadfast and resilient in the face of adversity, prioritizing their mission to create an equitable learning environment for all students.
The conference discussions also highlighted the broader societal repercussions of restricting Ethnic Studies. Many speakers argued that these disciplines are vital for fostering critical thinking, cultural awareness, and empathy among students. By understanding diverse perspectives and histories, students can become more informed and empathetic citizens. Thus, the resistance to Ethnic Studies is seen not only as an educational issue but also as a reflection of larger societal tensions and the need for comprehensive educational reform.
Legal Struggles
One of the significant legal challenges faced by Ethnic Studies was the lawsuit following California’s AB 101 legislation, which made Ethnic Studies a graduation requirement. The lawsuit, filed in 2022 by parents and teachers from the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), claimed that the Ethnic Studies curriculum was “anti-Semitic” and “anti-capitalist.” However, the judiciary dismissed the suit, ruling in favor of educational freedom and intellectual diversity. This dismissal was a landmark victory, underscoring the critical importance of maintaining intellectual freedom in the educational system and protecting it from unwarranted attacks.
The conference’s discussions made it clear that this legal victory was just one battle in a broader war. The participants acknowledged that while the dismissal of the lawsuit was a significant win, the forces opposing Ethnic Studies remain powerful and persistent. Legal battles such as these drain resources and energy from educators and advocates, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance and support from the community. It was a call to arms for educators to stand united and persistent in the face of legal and political pressures seeking to undermine Ethnic Studies.
The Fight for Political Speech
Advocacy Amid Progressivism
Lupe Carrasco Cardona, local chair of ARE, highlighted the irony that even in a state perceived as progressive like California, Ethnic Studies advocates continue to face relentless attacks. She pointed to the dismissed lawsuit, in which she was named as a defendant alongside fellow activists Theresa Montaño and Cecily Myart-Cruz. This lawsuit, despite its failure in court, represents a broader and more insidious attempt to stifle political expression and impose conformity within educational spaces. According to Cardona, these attacks are indicative of a broader effort to suppress crucial conversations on race, identity, and power dynamics within American society.
Cardona’s insights were bolstered by numerous testimonies from educators who have faced similar resistance in their districts. These testimonies revealed a pattern of attempts to marginalize Ethnic Studies and its proponents. The collective narrative presented at the conference painted a picture of resilience and determination, emphasizing the critical role of educators in advocating for meaningful and transformative education. The conference served as a crucial platform for reinforcing solidarity among educators and strategizing collectively to counteract repression and hostility.
National Concerns
The conference discussions also extended beyond California, highlighting alarming legislative trends across the country. For instance, troubling proposals in states like Tennessee aim to mandate schools to verify students’ immigration status before enrollment. These measures could effectively deny education to undocumented students or impose unaffordable tuition fees on them. Such legislation not only threatens educational access but also perpetuates a climate of fear and exclusion among immigrant communities.
The national perspective brought a sense of urgency to the discussions, illustrating that the challenges faced by Ethnic Studies are part of a larger, nationwide struggle for social justice and equity in education. Participants recognized the necessity of building a united front to combat these detrimental policies and ensure that all students, regardless of their legal status, have access to education. The conference reinforced the importance of vigilance, advocacy, and collective action in safeguarding the rights and educational opportunities of marginalized communities nationwide.
Historical Context and Student Activism
Historical Struggles
To contextualize the current struggles, Lupe Carrasco Cardona and other speakers emphasized the importance of educating students about the historical battles that paved the way for the integration of Ethnic Studies. They revisited the activism of the 1960s and 70s, which played a pivotal role in challenging the educational status quo and advocating for a curriculum that reflects the diverse histories and experiences of all students. Understanding these historical struggles is essential for students to appreciate the progress that has been made and to recognize their current rights and potential influence.
These historical narratives serve as a powerful reminder that the fight for Ethnic Studies and educational equity has deep roots. They also underscore the enduring relevance of these struggles in the present day. By linking past and present, educators aim to inspire a new generation of students to continue advocating for justice and inclusivity in education. This historical context provides a critical foundation for understanding the contemporary challenges and reinforces the necessity of ongoing activism and advocacy.
Contemporary Student Movements
The political landscape of recent years has seen a resurgence of student activism, reminiscent of earlier movements for social justice and educational reform. Under President Donald Trump’s administration, students actively protested against immigration policies through school walkouts and other forms of activism. These contemporary student movements highlight the ongoing relevance and necessity of student engagement in defending and expanding educational inclusivity.
The conference underscored that the torch of activism must be passed on to the younger generation. Students today must be aware that their actions are part of a long tradition of fighting for educational justice. By participating in activism, students not only defend their rights but also contribute to a broader movement for social change. The conference called for greater support for student activists and the creation of spaces where their voices can be heard and valued. Encouraging student participation is seen as a critical component in sustaining the momentum of Ethnic Studies and ensuring its future success.
The Future of Ethnic Studies
From Requirement to Revolution
At the conference, Theresa Montaño articulated a vision for Ethnic Studies that goes beyond fulfilling graduation requirements. She described it as a movement for liberation, with the mandate being only the first step towards a more profound and transformative educational experience. According to Montaño, the next crucial phase involves ensuring that the curriculum remains firmly anchored in the values of liberation, resistance, and solidarity with oppressed peoples. This vision calls for an Ethnic Studies curriculum that is not only inclusive but also transformative, challenging students to think critically and act upon issues of social justice.
Montaño’s perspective resonated with many educators at the conference who believe that Ethnic Studies should play a central role in shaping students’ understanding of the world and their place within it. By emphasizing liberation and resistance, the curriculum can empower students to challenge injustices and advocate for change. This approach insists on maintaining the revolutionary principles that have always been at the heart of Ethnic Studies, ensuring that it continues to be a dynamic and impactful field of study.
Legislative Threats
The 19th Annual Conference of the Association of Raza Educators (ARE), themed “Land, River, SeEthnic Studies to be Free,” was held at Los Angeles Mission College in Sylmar, California. This significant gathering attracted educators from various parts of the state, united by a commitment to address the critical issues within Ethnic Studies and educational advocacy. The primary goal of the conference was to create a platform for strategic discussions on strengthening the Ethnic Studies curriculum and supporting its community. This is especially crucial given the rising resistance and challenges faced by the field. By fostering robust dialogue and collaboration, the conference sought to empower educators to effectively advocate for Ethnic Studies, ensuring it remains a vital component of education that promotes understanding and equity across diverse communities. The event underscored the importance of solidarity and proactive engagement in the face of opposition, highlighting how collective efforts can drive meaningful change in the educational landscape.
