September 10, 2020

LAWT News Service

 

New ethnic studies requirements that support the new, State-approved graduation criteria for the California State University (CSU) system could soon be implemented at the nine colleges of the Los Angeles Community College District under a resolution passed by the District’s Board of Trustees.

The Board’s resolution “recommends that the Chancellor consult with the District Academic Senate to establish a committee with faculty with disciplinary expertise in ethnic studies and others to examine” the impact of Assembly Bill 1460 and to determine the feasibility of a comparable ethnic studies requirement at LACCD.

AB 1460 requires the CSU system, starting with the 2021-22 academic year, to provide courses and ethnic studies at each CSU campus as part of the requirements for students graduating in the 2024-25 academic year to complete a minimum three-unit course in ethnic studies.  Both the Assembly and State Senate approved the measure and it was signed by Governor Newsom on Aug. 17, 2020.

“Having a better understanding of race and ethnic issues must be part of our students’ fundamental understanding of our society,” LACCD Board Vice President Steve Veres said.  “We live in a diverse, multi-racial world and ethnic studies will help students understand the importance and value that such diversity brings.”

Vice President Veres and Trustees Buelna and Fong presented the resolution adopted by the Board at its Sept. 2 meeting.

“Given the massive demographic shifts in California and the nation, an ethnic studies requirement at LACCD is timely and beneficial to our community colleges and to our society as a whole – particularly during the current national discourse around, race, equity and inclusion,” said Dr. Gabriel Buelna, 2nd Vice President, LACCD Board of Trustees and co-author of the resolution.

Trustee Mike Fong, who also co-authored the resolution, added:

“In addition to being an academic discipline, ethnic studies is a commitment to a life of justice empowering communities, and to lend a voice to those who have been denied their own voice.  An Ethnic Studies requirement at LACCD is an important step to provide attainment of knowledge, respect and a better understanding and appreciation of one another.”

Category: Education