Anna Chapman

Incredibile documentary. Ethnic studies programming is critical in supporting the livelihood of diverse cultural traditions, especially for students whose history is typically excluded from American history. An important example is the influential Mexican-American Studies (MAS) Program in the Tucson Unified School District. Raza Studies, at Tucson Magnet High School in Arizona, was led by highly influential ethnic studies educators Curtis Acosta and Jose Gonzalez whose curriculum empowered students and motivated students to learn. However, it was banned after facing legislative backlash by former Arizona Department of Education Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tom Horne, who called the programming “racist”. Nonetheless, it has gone on to serve as a model for several states that have implemented ethnic studies programs. Check out what Curtis Acosta and collaborators are up to today, check out the Xicanx Institute for Teaching and Organizing (XITO): a hub for decolonizing culturally responsive teaching, community organizing, and environmental justice.