Mandatory “Ethnic Studies” Headed to CA Public & Charter Schools

A bill that would require all California public and charter schools to provide at least a one-semester course in ethnic studies was voted out of the Senate Education Committee July 15.  It now is headed to the Senate Appropriations Committee. Known as AB 101, it already has passed in the Assembly. The vote in the Senate committee was 6 to 2 with the two “no” votes cast by the two Republican  Senators Brian Dahle and Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh. Sen. Brian Glazer of Orinda, who represents District 7, did not vote. 

The measure makes the ethnic studies course, the contents of which have yet to be specified, mandatory for graduation. It requires the state Instructional Quality Commission to develop, and the state Board of Education to adopt, modify or revise a model curriculum in ethnic studies.  The required course would begin with the 2024-25 school year

Last August, Governor Newsom signed a similar measure that made an ethnic studies course require for graduation from the California State University system.