Students of color unite to defend ethnic studies

The Arizona State Senate has introduced legislation aimed at destroying all ethnic studies programs in Arizona public schools. The legislation, Senate Bill 1108, would ban African American, Pan-Asian, Native American and Mexican-American/Raza studies.

It would also forbid the formation of ethnic or cultural student organizations such as MEChA (Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlán). This racist bill would deny funding to any elementary school, high school, university or community college that includes any courses or activities that “encourage dissent from the values of American democracy and western civilization.”

On June 12, Arizona State Superintendent of Schools Tom Horne held a press conference outside Tucson Unified School District where he endorsed this blatant racism. He was met by 250 angry students, parents and community members, who shouted down his racist remarks and voiced their support for the ethnic studies programs.

Students from Tucson’s high schools, community college and university have formed an alliance called PRE (Positive Representation in Education) to organize in defense of ethnic studies programs and students’ right to learn the history of their own peoples.

One of PRE’s first steps was to create a Unity Council with representatives from Latin@, Black, Asian and Indigenous student groups. The Unity Council will initiate community events to build the organization and forge alliances with the immigrant rights, anti-war and other progressive forces.

Already, local activists are feeling inspired by the enthusiasm and determination of these youths. Horne has unleashed the outrage of oppressed youths and set in motion a force that the ruling class he speaks for fears the most: unity of the communities of color.

A short movie about the Tucson Ethnic Studies program entitled “Mi Otro Yo” can be seen at http://lab.wgbh.org/open-call/election2008/rough-cuts/mi-otro-yo