WHEREAS, The ethnic studies graduation requirement in California Community Colleges is intended to provide students with opportunities to explore the diverse cultural and historical contributions of underrepresented communities to society;
WHEREAS, Current ethnic studies courses such as Chicano Studies primarily focus on the Mexican-American/Chicano experience, leaving significant gaps in representation for other Latin American identities, including Central and South American cultures. as well as from the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and Cuba;
WHEREAS, The incorporation of Latino/a/x Studies as a critical component of the ethnic studies graduation requirement would not only deepen students’ understanding of the expansive and multifaceted nature of Latin American cultures, histories, and societal contributions but also foster a more inclusive, representative, and equitable learning environment; and
WHEREAS, Expanding the scope of ethnic studies offerings aligns directly with the California Community Colleges' ongoing commitment to advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion by addressing the systematic underrepresentation of broader Latin American identities in academic curricula, while also ensuring that students and educators understand the distinctions between Chicana/o Studies and Latino/a/x Studies, recognizing how each discipline uniquely contributes to a holistic representation of Latin American and Mexican-American identities in ethnic studies; Now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Student Senate of California Community Colleges advocate for the formal inclusion of Latino/a/x Studies courses within the approved ethnic studies curriculum across California Community Colleges, ensuring the histories and contributions of Central and South American identities, as well as those from the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and Cuba are appropriately represented;
RESOLVED, That the Student Senate of California Community Colleges call upon the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges (ASCCC) and the Chancellor’s Office to develop clear guidelines and allocate necessary resources for the creation and implementation Latino/a/x Studies courses that fulfill the ethnic studies graduation requirement including professional development for educators, equipping them with the requisite knowledge and resources to teach Latino/a/x Studies with rigor, cultural sensitivity, and academic excellence;;
RESOLVED, That the Student Senate of California Community Colleges collaborate with the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges to work with faculty, students, and ethnic studies departments to assess curriculum gaps and support the creation of interdisciplinary courses that elevate and explore the rich and diverse experiences of Latin American communities; and
RESOLVED, That the Student Senate shall advocate unwaveringly for the inclusion of Latino/a/x Studies within the ethnic studies curriculum, while addressing and disseminating the distinctions between Latino/a/x Studies and Chicano/a Studies, thereby ensuring that the identities and experiences of all Latin American students are meaningfully represented and that a more inclusive and equitable educational framework is established for all.
Sources:
[1] California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office, “Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Framework” (2022).
[2] California Department of Education, “Ethnic Studies Model Curriculum” (2021). Pew Research Center, “Key Facts about U.S. Latinos” (2022).