More than 100 groups are urging the University of California (UC) to reconsider a proposed ethnic studies admission requirement after faculty members’ controversial statements. The issue revolves around the state’s high school mandate for ethnic studies and a separate proposal to make completion of an ethnic studies course a requirement for admission to UC colleges. Critics argue that the faculty’s defense of the Hamas attack on Israel and their alleged sympathy towards anti-Zionist sentiments raise concerns about the potential institutionalization of antisemitism within the field.
The controversy gained momentum when religious and educational organizations voiced their opposition to the ethnic studies requirement, citing concerns about bias and ideological agendas in education. Brandy Shufutinsky from the Alliance for Constructive Ethnic Studies expressed worries about the faculty’s emphasis on “anti-racist and anti-colonial liberation” in the course criteria. Critics argue that this narrow focus could suppress alternative viewpoints and perpetuate a binary narrative that casts Jews as oppressors.
The debate over the ethnic studies requirement dates back to 2020 when the UC faculty senate Board of Admissions and Relations with Schools (BOARS) began considering the proposal. If approved, the requirement would supersede the state law, granting each school district autonomy in designing their own ethnic studies curriculum. Opponents argue that this would lead to a uniform standard set by the UC ethnic studies faculty, potentially limiting diversity of perspectives in ethnic studies courses across the state.
The UC Ethnic Studies Faculty Council has played a significant role in advocating for the admissions requirement. However, their defense of the Hamas attack on Israel as a struggle against “ethnic cleansing and genocide” has drawn sharp criticism. More than 100 religious, education, and civil rights organizations have signed a letter urging UC leadership to reject the proposal, arguing that faculty members who fail to recognize the Hamas attack as terrorism should not be entrusted with establishing statewide ethnic studies standards.
Despite the controversy, some believe that the proposal is unlikely to move forward. Tammi Rossman-Benjamin of the AMCHA Initiative views the faculty behind the proposal as politically motivated activists whose actions could harm students and communities. However, supporters of the requirement argue that it is essential to teach “hard truths” about settler colonialism, apartheid, and resistance.
The debate over the ethnic studies requirement extends beyond UC colleges. The state’s largest school district, Los Angeles Unified, has already implemented a similar requirement for the graduating class of 2027. Critics argue that the mandate could lead to censorship and restrict teachers’ freedom to teach ethnic studies.
Overall, the controversy surrounding the proposed ethnic studies requirement at UC highlights the ongoing debate over the role of ideology and bias in education. While proponents argue for a comprehensive understanding of historical injustices, critics raise concerns about potential biases and the suppression of alternative perspectives. The final decision on the requirement will have significant implications for the future of ethnic studies in California.
