Ethnic Studies in California: A Stalled Requirement
Despite years of debate and significant state funding, a mandatory high school ethnic studies course in California remains stalled.
The course, intended to teach the history, contributions, and struggles of California's African Americans, Latinos, Asian Americans, and Native Americans, was expected to be adopted by all public schools as a graduation requirement this year.
However, the implementation of ethnic studies classes varies across the state, with some students attending these classes while others are not. The curriculum also differs for those enrolled in ethnic studies.
One reason for this inconsistency is the exclusion of funding for ethnic studies from the 2025 state budget by the Governor. This decision effectively killed the mandate, as Assembly Bill 101 (2021) made the requirement contingent on full funding.
The governor has not explicitly stated why full funding for ethnic studies was not included in the budget.
Author's summary: California's ethnic studies requirement stalls due to funding issues.
- According to Assembly Bill 101 (2021), full funding is required for the ethnic studies mandate.
- The Governor excluded funding for ethnic studies from the 2025 state budget.