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ADL urges the teaching of ethnic studies – not antisemitic content – in all California high schools

  • January 31, 2022

Antisemitic and anti-Israel bias have no place in our classrooms

San Francisco, CA. January 31, 2022… ADL (the Anti-Defamation League), is urging school districts across California to adopt an ethnic studies curriculum, if they have not already done so, that draws upon the State Board of Education approved Ethnic Studies Model Curriculum and to be wary of potentially biased antisemitic and anti-Israel curricula being pushed by fringe education activists.

In a letter sent to all California school districts with high schools, ADL noted that teaching ethnic studies promotes equity and inclusiveness by deepening students’ understanding of American history. Following the adoption of Assembly Bill 101, California high schools are required to implement a one-semester ethnic studies course commencing with the 2025-2026 school year. ADL’s five regional offices across the state will be following up with districts with support and resources.

“Ethnic studies is an incredibly important tool to enrich a student’s learning experience – providing understanding of important context that is often missing from a student’s curriculum,” said Kendall Kosai, ADL West Director of Policy. “It is critical that schools do not adopt the biased content we saw in the early drafts of the Ethnic Studies Model Curriculum, which contained antisemitic and anti-Israel material. We recommend that schools draw from the Ethnic Studies Model Curriculum approved by the California Board of Education in March 2021 to create a safe learning environment for all.”

ADL has worked with several California schools across the state to create more welcoming and inclusive spaces. Its work includes anti-bias and bullying prevention programs, assisting educators and students in understanding and challenging bias, and building allyship. Its efforts to confront antisemitism empowers young people with constructive responses to combat all forms of discrimination and bigotry.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Laura Fennell
Director of Communications Strategy, ADL West (310) 633-1435 lfennell@adl.org

 

ADL is a leading anti-hate organization. Founded in 1913 in response to an escalating climate of antisemitism and bigotry, its timeless mission is to protect the Jewish people and to secure justice and fair treatment for all. Today, ADL continues to fight all forms of hate with the same vigor and passion. ADL is the first call when acts of antisemitism occur. A global leader in exposing extremism, delivering anti-bias education, and fighting hate online, ADL’s ultimate goal is a world in which no group or individual suffers from bias, discrimination or hate. More at www.adl.org

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