Why Texas Needs Mexican-American Studies

Why Texas Needs Mexican-American Studies
Protesters gather to support the Tucson Unified School District as Superintendent of Public Instruction John Huppenthal announce that the Tucson Unified School District violates state law by teaching it's Mexican American Studies Department's ethic studies program at a news conference at the Arizona Department of Education Wednesday, June 15, 2011, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Protesters gather to support the Tucson Unified School District as Superintendent of Public Instruction John Huppenthal announce that the Tucson Unified School District violates state law by teaching it's Mexican American Studies Department's ethic studies program at a news conference at the Arizona Department of Education Wednesday, June 15, 2011, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

On Friday, the Texas State Board of Education can vote to implement Mexican-American studies as a legitimate course option for every school district in Texas. Or the board can continue to deny and ignore the role Tejanos have played in forming this state and this nation.

Now is the time to acknowledge our history and culture. There are 4.9 million students in Texas; 51 percent are Hispanic.

And if you are reading this wondering what the difference is between a Tejano, a Hispanic, a Mexican-American, a Chicano or Chicana, or a Latino or Latina, that is one more reason that we need Mexican-American studies available to all of us. We have never had an official Mexican-American studies course in Texas public schools. What terrible things happen when our students and educators are not exposed to this history?

Before You Go

Occupied America: A History of Chicanos, by Rodolfo Acuña

Latino Books Once Banned In Arizona

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