The ethnic studies class was meant to focus on the cultures and histories of African Americans, Asian Americans, Native Americans and Latinos. The state’s curriculum also encourages schools to add additional lessons based on their student populations, such as Hmong or Armenian.
ethnic studies
Posted inLatest News
PVUSD sends apology letter to founder of ethnic studies consultant
Pajaro Valley Unified School District mailed an apology letter to ethnic studies consultant Allyson Tintiangco-Cubales on Wednesday, nearly two years after cutting ties with her over accusations of antisemitism. Community members who had demanded greater transparency criticized the board for not discussing the letter during the meeting.
Posted inEducation
PVUSD board overturns votes related to ethnic studies dispute after complaint alleging violations of state law
The Pajaro Valley Unified School District board voted to nullify two controversial April decisions — a failed censure of former trustee Kim De Serpa and an apology letter to a consultant — amid allegations of violating California’s Brown Act. While the board denied wrongdoing, it agreed to cease potential violations to avoid litigation.
Posted inEducation
PVUSD trustee Gabe Medina demands $35K, threatens defamation suit after failed censure
Pajaro Valley Unified School District Trustee Gabe Medina is threatening the board’s president and vice president via email with a defamation lawsuit against them after last week’s censure attempt.
Posted inEducation
With tears and taunts, PVUSD board rejects censure of trustee Gabe Medina — and exposes bitter divide
The resolution to censure trustee Gabe Medina failed in a 4-2 vote during the Pajaro Valley Unified School District governing board meeting Wednesday night. The vote came after a nearly two-hour discussion and clashes between Medina and trustee Misty Navarro.
Posted inEducation
County superintendent of schools warns PVUSD of ‘antisemitic tropes’ during ethnic studies debate
Santa Cruz County Superintendent of Schools Faris Sabbah recently wrote a letter to Pajaro Valley Unified School District’s governing board, warning the trustees about his concerns that trustees’ comments “appeared to invoke anti-Semitic tropes” and about violations of laws governing the board’s actions.
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
Pajaro Valley district trustees need a lesson in leadership and antisemitism as they implement ethnic studies curriculum
Rabbi Debbie Israel was stunned when she attended the recent Pajaro Valley Unified School District meeting, where trustees voted to continue a controversial ethnic studies contract with Community Responsive Education. She says she found “outright antisemitism in the name of no antisemitism.” She says trustees used conventional antisemitic tropes and showed little grace, openness or leadership skills in their dealings with concerned members of the Jewish community.
Posted inEducation
PVUSD board votes to approve contract with controversial ethnic studies consultant
The vote by the Pajaro Valley Unified School District governing board came after months of activism by community members, students and teachers, who urged the board to renew a contract with the consultant, Community Responsive Education.
Posted inEducation
Controversial consultant among vendors up for PVUSD ethnic studies contract
The Pajaro Valley Unified School District governing board will soon vote on a new contract with a vendor to continue developing the district’s ethnic studies program. Superintendent Heather Contreras said Community Responsive Education, which previously worked with the district before the board declined to renew its contract, will be among the options for consideration.
Posted inEducation
PVUSD board weighs future of ethnic studies contract as community rallies behind program
After not renewng an ethnic studies contract with Community Responsive Education last year over antisemitism concerns, Pajaro Valley Unified School District is considering hiring a new ethnic studies consultant. Despite vocal opposition, students, teachers and most trustees praised the program’s impact in a meeting on Friday. There are two town halls scheduled before a May board decision.