SEARAC Denounces Arizona Ethnic Studies Ban

Southeast Asia Resource Action Center (SEARAC) denounces the Arizona state legislature's recent passage of a bill that bans ethnic studies in the state. The bill is targeted at a K-12 ethnic studies curriculum in Arizona and was signed into law by Governor Jan Brewer yesterday. Proponents of H.B. 2281 claim that the purpose of the law is to ban classes that "promote the overthrow of the U.S. government and promote resentment toward a race or class of people."

As an organization that works to ensure that all students receive an equitable and inclusive education, SEARAC believes that ethnic studies programs enhance student learning and promote civic engagement and academic achievement. SEARAC works in coalition with other civil rights organizations to ensure that all students, regardless of their racial or ethnic background, and immigration or socio-economic status are able to attain a high-quality education. This law is a disservice to all students in the state of Arizona who are deprived of the opportunity to learn about the diversity that makes this country great.

Doua Thor, Executive Director of SEARAC, states: "As an organization that supports inclusivity and works to empower communities, SEARAC stands against this law for its shortsightedness and racism. Ethnic studies programs make America stronger; they are not about promoting resentment as the law claims, but rather, they promote inclusion-teaching students about how ethnic groups in America have participated in and contributed to American history and society."