Learn More * Sign the Petition

This from our friends at Presente.org:

Dear Friend,
Last week, the Tucson school board outraged the nation when they cancelled its high schools' Mexican American Studies program and forcibly banned a series of books dealing with race. The reason? Apparently teaching respect for other cultures amounts to "racial hatred" and is in violation of Arizona's statewide ban against ethnic studies - passed in conjunction with SB1070.

Since the news broke, the school board has been catching heat and there is a chance they'll allow the books back in the classroom, but they need to know the we're watching.
With Latino students in Tucson making up more than half of the student population - educators, parents, and students are fighting back. Can you sign this petition to Superintendent John Pedicone and the school board to reverse the decision to ban the books and reinstate the Mexican American Studies program? I just signed myself.

http://act.presente.org/sign/ethnicstudies_az?referring_akid=a2755754.381843.ZrTna-&source=copy_thanks_email

Arizona has been ground zero for attacks against immigrant and Latino families, creating a hateful environment where it's acceptable to attack Latino youth in a place where they need affirmation - their classrooms.

Tucson's Mexican American Studies program gave Latino students a sense of dignity and connection to their own history and other students were offered an insight to a community that is a huge part of the local culture but all too often demonized.

Students in Arizona are fighting to keep these programs in spite of the wave of anti-immigrant hysteria in the state and now they need our help in keeping up the fight.

Can you sign this petition to Tucson Superintendent John Pedicone and the school board to reverse the decision reinstate the Mexican American Studies class?

http://act.presente.org/sign/ethnicstudies_az?referring_akid=a2755754.381843.ZrTna-&source=copy_thanks_email

Thanks!

Here are some links about this:

Tucson students confront loss of their Chicano studies class, LA Times, 1/11/12
http://lat.ms/xSgDdi

Tucson says banished books may return to classrooms, Salon.com, 1/18/12
http://bit.ly/z9J4AH

Save Ethnic Studies in Arizona, Facebook Page
http://on.fb.me/ypPLqW