Abstract
Ethnic Studies (ES) was established in 1968 as part of the Third World Liberation Front’s (TWLF) efforts to reform higher education in ways that incorporated non-euro-centric teaching and increased the racial/ethnic diversity of students and faculty. On many college campuses, ES programs have created spaces for cross-cultural learning that promote respect and champion interpersonal interactions. Over the last 50 years, however, efforts to sustain diversity-centric education have remained isolated attempts by individual colleges and universities. In 2020, this changed when California Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law Assembly Bill 1460. The bill took effect in the 2021-2022 academic year and mandated each of the 23 California State University (CSU) campuses to offer ES courses to undergraduate students. For students commencing their undergraduate careers in the 2024-2025 year and beyond, at least one 3-unit course from ES will be mandatory for graduation. This is the first time a major university system has taken the initiative to mandate ES for all its students.
Recommended Citation
Nishikawa, Bryce Akira
(2024)
"Public Policy and the Future of Ethnic Studies,"
Silicon Valley Sociological Review: Vol. 22, Article 5.
Available at:
https://scholarcommons.scu.edu/svsr/vol22/iss1/5