Multi Cultural programs "under the microscope" in Arizona?

 Native American student focused on creating a

cultural legend presentation

    Arizona, is the hotbed for more than snow birds seeking winter warmth. It now is the focus for ending programs that focus on solidarity of one ethnic group. Arizona's head of schools has warned millions of dollars in funding will disapear unless a Tuscon program focusing on Mexican American students is not eliminated. However, based on a controversial law passed recently in Arizona, ALL curriculum is banned that:
 "promote the overthrow of the U.S. government, promote resentment toward a race or class of people, are designed primarily for pupils of one ethnic group or advocate ethnic solidarity," according to The Arizona Republic's Emily Gersema."
     Most of the law is appropriate, however will the words, "are designed primarily for pupils of one ethnic group," Strike a blow to genuine multicultural education? I am not talking here about the "we are all a beautiful salad," type of multicultural education. I am referring to genuine curriculum and points of view that originate from members of a racial or ethnic minority in an attempt to raise the achievement and retention of their students.

     Then again for decades, and still to some degree today, much curriculum IS designed from mainstream Western European philosopies of education and learning. So, is this action a backlash or ground swell to question, eliminate, and place under the microscope programs that seek to raise the identity and achievement of minority students?

     I vote yes, it is an attempt to over reach. The program mentioned white people as "oppressors" and did not promote assimilation. Hmmm this sounds like a retake of the foundation for Indian boarding schools: "just assimilate, white people are not oppressors, they are here to help you mainstream and assimilate."

     I am part white so it is easier (perhaps) for me to cast aspersions on the possibilities this Arizona law and current action portend for ethnic solidarity and genuine multicultural education.

     Like Paulo Frerire indicated: an oppressed people often turn against each other, because they are so downtrodden and used to holding a low position. Only they can change their situation by forming solidarity and not being against each other but FOR change. Students in the Tuscon program expressed just that: a feeling of racial solidarity. Yes, that can be dangerous, but it IS often the catalyst for genuine change and we surely need that in education of minority students whose drop out rates, college admittance, test scores always anchor the bottom of the charts.

 

Goodwin, L. (n.d.). Mexican-American studies program nixed by Ariz. education chief - Yahoo! News. The top news headlines on current events from Yahoo! News. Retrieved June 17, 2011, from http://news.yahoo.com/s/yblog_thelookout/20110616/us_yblog_thelookout/mexican-american-studies-program-nixed-by-ariz-education-chief

Tucson ethnic-studies program violates law, schools chief says. (n.d.). Arizona Local News - Phoenix Arizona News - Phoenix Breaking News - azcentral.com. Retrieved June 17, 2011, from http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/2011/06/15/20110615arizona-ethnic-studies-violates-law-chief-says.html

Freire, P., Horton, M., Bell, B., Gaventa, J., & Peters, J. M. (1990). We make the road by walking . Philadelphia: Temple University Press.