FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 8, 2021

 

HACU statement on Governor Gavin Newsom signing AB 101 requiring an ethnic studies course to graduate high school

SAN ANTONIO – The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities has issued the following statement in response to Governor Newsom’s signing AB 101 by Assembly Member Jose Medina, which requires high schools to provide ethnic studies starting in academic year 2025-2026 and requires students to take one semester of ethnic studies to graduate beginning in 2029-2030.

“The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities applauds Governor Newsom and the leadership of Assembly Member Medina for taking a positive step forward towards more inclusive education for all California.” said HACU President and CEO Antonio R. Flores. “The passage of AB 101 will allow all of California’s students to see themselves reflected in the curriculum”

California has one of the largest and most diverse student populations in the nation. Non-White ethnic populations account for over 71% of the student population, with more than 90 languages spoken in district schools. With 682 Hispanic-Serving School Districts (HSSDs) and 150 emerging HSSDs, it is critical that students build historical knowledge about the diverse racial and ethnic groups in their state and throughout the nation. Ethnic studies courses allow students to learn about racial-ethnic cultural and historical issues within state and national contexts, using culturally competent curricula to support student success by developing critical thinking skills.

About HACU
The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, founded in 1986, represents more than 500 colleges and universities in the United States, Latin America, Spain, and school districts throughout the U.S. HACU is the only national association representing existing and emerging Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs). The Association’s headquarters are in San Antonio, Texas, with regional offices in Washington, D.C. and Sacramento, California. This year HACU celebrates its 35th Anniversary since its founding. Additional information is available at www.hacu.net.

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HACU Media Contact:
Norma Jean Revilla-Garcia
Executive Director of Communications and Marketing
Hispanic Association of Colleges & Universities
210-576-3206
njgarcia@hacu.net

Christopher de Hoyos
Assistant Director of Communications and Social Media
Hispanic Association of Colleges & Universities
210-576-3242
chris.dehoyos@hacu.net