Ethnic Studies In Fullerton Schools   

by Katie Peckham

Among discussions already happening regarding bringing an Ethnic Studies curriculum to Fullerton schools, there have been criticisms made of the curriculum, saying that Ethnic Studies removes the intrinsic value of the human person, that it reduces them to a mere representative of a race. Indeed, such ideas must not be taught in our schools. Every human person does have tremendous intrinsic value. In fact Ethnic Studies is itself an extension of that very belief in the intrinsic value of all human persons–because they have value, their stories matter, even if those stories are new to us and different from the ones with which we are familiar.

There are many today whose stories have not been made part of the wider narrative of American history that is taught in schools–Native American peoples, Black people, Latinx people, Asian American people–people who were instrumental in the foundation and formation of this country, but whose experiences have been overlooked in the more widely spread narrative. Ethnic Studies seeks to include their stories. After all, this country is a beautiful experiment in democracy and in the value of elevating the voice of the people. So let’s listen to the voices of the people.

This country is only 200 years old. Aside from Native Americans, all other Americans–you, me, all of us, regardless of our skin color–must trace back our ancestry to people who immigrated to this country from abroad. The life we experience here in Fullerton today wouldn’t exist at all if the governing principles of freedom and justice for all had not welcomed our ancestors when they left their own countries of origin and came here. It is one of the greatest things to celebrate about America. Let’s continue to celebrate and defend it, by understanding the variety of people who make up “America.” Ethnic Studies teaches what happened in history from perspectives other than the western European one, and this is incredibly valuable and representative of the incredible people of this country.

Second, some say Ethnic Studies will introduce racism and divisiveness into our schools, that it epitomizes the worst in humanity. Honestly, I think the heart of this point is beautiful, and I wouldn’t in any way want to hinder the healthy anger and disgust it expresses toward racism and divisiveness. However, that anger and disgust has been misdirected here.

The racism and divisiveness that truly does epitomize the worst in humanity, has already occurred. It is there, in the history of this country. Ethnic Studies merely identifies it. We are right to be angered by that divisiveness, to want nothing to do with it. These desires are noble and we should encourage them. But the way to that place of unity and equality from where we currently stand, involves acknowledging what has already happened. A wound does not heal by covering it and ignoring it. The wound must be cleaned and attended to, in order to clear away the bacteria that would inhibit healing. Sometimes that process of cleaning is painful, but it is necessary for restoring wholeness. There are people in this country–in our own community here in Fullerton–who have been wounded and they are trying to tell us about it. We must acknowledge and attend to it, before we can move forward in wholeness and unity.

Third, I have heard some in our community say that the problems addressed by Ethnic Studies “don’t concern us.” This perspective cannot be allowed to survive. Firstly, because it is simply false that the problems experienced by people of color in this country do not concern us. The most recent LCAP (Local Control Accountability Plan) for Fullerton School District reports that only 22% of all FSD students are white; that means 78% of students identify as people of color. Problems that concern communities of color, concern us. But secondly, Fullerton does not exist in a bubble. We are part of a broader community of people around this country and around the world. I would hate to think we have become so narrow-minded as to be content with a perspective that really believes we are not connected to the rest of our country and world. Of course we are.

I believe that deep down, most people are compassionate and kind. I believe that when we see our loved ones hurting, it hurts us and we want to make it better. When we treat people who are different from us as “other,” and allow the difference to create distance between us rather than take it as an invitation to be curious and to learn, to see them as fellow human beings… that distance breeds contempt which stymies our compassion and breaks down the community. The awareness that comes with learning how people of different ethnicities have been impacted by America’s choices over the centuries will help dispel the ignorance and misunderstanding that can sometimes snag people’s innate human compassion. I believe this awareness will free all of us to be our best selves.

This matters to me. To the degree that the perspectives taught in Ethnic Studies are new and different from my own, I want to learn and understand them. The students asking for Ethnic Studies to be taught in Fullerton high schools are part of our community, they are our own. I hope you will let their concerns and needs touch you and matter to you too.