In yesterday’s Brief Blog , I endorsed HB 2281, legislation banning ethnic studies programs in Arizona’s public schools. Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne drafted the bill, targeting Tucson Unified School District’s Mexican-American Studies program, which according to voluminous testimony, foments hatred towards white people.
Also yesterday, an Arizona Daily Star article quoted Sean Arce, director of the TUSD program, as saying the district has no intention of eliminating or modifying the ethnic studies curriculum. Arce claims the Raza Studies program does not violate HB 2281. The bill, as you recall, forbids courses that promote the overthrow of the U.S. government, are designed primarily for pupils of a particular ethnic group, or advocate ethnic solidarity instead of the treatment of pupils as individuals.
I asked Superintendent Horne for his response to Mr. Arce’s contentions. Mr. Horne pointed out that TUSD’s programs do in fact violate the legislation:
- Violation of ANY ONE of the provisions makes the course illegal.
- Each of TUSD’s ethnic studies courses is designed primarily for one ethnic group, which is prohibited (Raza studies for Latino students, African American studies for African American students, Asian studies for Asian students, Indian studies for Indian students).
- We have substantial testimony from teachers and former teachers that TUSD’s program promotes ethnic chauvinism, a separate basis for making the course illegal.
Superintendent Horne outlined his objections to TUSD’s program in a compelling 2007 Open Letter to the Citizens of Tucson.
Governor Brewer has until next Tuesday to sign HB 2281. Faster please.
Amy H Laff
Amy H Laff is a StateBrief.com partner. A graduate of Univ of Penn and Stanford Law School, Amy practiced law and mediation on the east coast before relocating to the Valley, where she founded and chairs the AZ chapter of the Republican Jewish Coalition. Amy makes frequent media appearances, including AZ Law Channel and Tony Katz Radio Spectacular. Additionally, she works with companies and candidates on branding and communication. 
