State law bars studies promoting ethnic solidarity
(NEWSER) - An Arizona judge has declared that a Tucson Mexican-American ethnic studies program in city high schools violates state law. The ruling backs a determination by controversial state Schools Superintendent John Huppenthal that the program is illegal under a new law banning educational programs that promote ethnic solidarity and provoke "racial resentment." Administrative law Judge Lewis Kowal shot down a school board challenge to Huppenthal's determination by ruling that the program teaches material in a "biased, political and emotionally charged manner," reports the Arizona Daily Star . Kowal's determination is a legal recommendation to Huppenthal, who will likely now take steps to dismantle the program. "The main game here is ensuring that students are getting a quality education, and that's not happening in Tucson Unified," Huppenthal said. "This whole issue has been a sideshow. I'm anxious to get to the main mission and put this distraction to the side." More»
