Proposed Ethnic Studies Regulations Public Comment Summary and Response

Official notice of proposed C alifornia Code of Regulations, Title 5, regarding “Ethnic Studies” was made available for public comment for at least 45 days from May 5, 2021 through June 18, 2021. The notice specified the process to comment on the proposed changes. A public hearing was held during the Board of Governors Meeting on May 24, 2021, via zoom and co mments were made. Pursuant to Standing Order 206, subdivision (b) (3), the Chancellor’s Office has summarized the written comments below with a response.

Thirty-one (31) comments in support of this regulatory revision were received and are enclosed. The Board appreciates the feedback. Three comments expressing specific questions and concerns begin the written comments section below.

WRITTEN COMMENTS

A written comment was received from Tamira Palmetto, Assistant Professor, Antelope Valley College

I would like to make an objection to the addition of an Ethnic Studies Requirement for ADT degrees. This new graduation, requirement for the CSU system, could easily be taken care of at the university level. Students are required to complete 3 upper division general education courses, and one of them could certainly be an Ethnic Studies course.

Instead, this new CSU requirement is being pushed down to the community college level, and is being added to the degree requirements for our ADT degrees. Many community colleges do not have an Ethnic Studies department, and many of the courses submitted by the CCCs for this new area have been rejected. So, now we have a requirement for graduation, and CSU certification, with very few approved classes across the CCC system.

This new requirement is going to create yet one more barrier for students who are trying to obtain their degrees and transfer to a university. There is already too much required for students to transfer. Just completing the ADT is not enough to get them into most university programs. They are competing and must complete as much (all) major preparation as they can, for each university they want to transfer to. Many of them, just to be competitive, are leaving the CCC system with more than 60 units. Now we add in a requirement for degree completion and CSU certification - Effective Fall 20211????- and have few to no classes approved for this new required area. This is not going to work out well for students.

I propose that if the CSUs want an Ethnic Studies course for their degree, they have students take that requirement at the CSU level (upper division GE). If this requirement is going to be pushed down to the CCC level, then it is very premature. It should not be effective until all CCCs have courses approved for this new area. As it stands, we are just going to hurt students. We are going to deny them their degrees they've worked so hard for, and we will be unable to provide CSU Certification effectively forcing them to take more general education courses at the CSUs after transfer.

Please consider the larger ramifications for our students in implementing a new requirement, with very few (or no) approved classes, at this time. Please either delay implementation until the CCCs have approved courses, or m ake the CSUs take care of their own requirements.

PROPOSED RESPONSE

The Board appreciates the feedback. The proposed regulation revision reflects the Boards commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the community college system. This regulatory change will complement the CSU general education Area F Ethnic Studies course requirement, but will have its own implementation timeline and process designed by the CCC system.

A written comment was received from Carolyn Jackson, Director, Cabrillo College

Does the CCC have to have an Ethnic Studies department to be able to include/offer an Ethnic Studies course on our campus to meet this requirement?

The recent debacle with CSU GE Area F approvals/denials is a lesson to be attended to before changing Title 5. The statewide Ethnic Studies faculty have legitimate concerns about what constitutes the Ethnic Studies discipline and what courses should be identified as Ethnic Studies courses - yet CCC's did not receive guidance in advance of Area F submissions. Ple ase don't make this same mistake!!

If the goal is to align a CCC Ethnic Studies requirement with the CSU GE Area F courses - then you should just say that. Please don't leave Ethnic Studies undefined. Give us the parameters!!

and answer the unanswered qu estions, have the conversations and publicize the parameters before amending Title 5.

thanks for listening,

PROPOSED RESPONSE

The Board appreciates the feedback. A short-term task force will be developed to provide guidance to the colleges. A written comment was received from Michael S. Bowen, Faculty, Ventura College

I am writing to submit a public comment regarding the proposed addition of an Ethnic Studies competency requirement for the AA/AS degree in 5 C.C.R. § 55063.

First, the change in graduation requirements has no explicitly stated effective date. In what term will incoming (or graduating) students first become subject to the new AA/AS requirements? Various sections of the previous (struck-through) version of section 55063 specified the competency requirements then in effect would apply to students admitted during or after Fall 2019, and that other requirements became effective for students admitted during or after Fall 2009. Although it makes sense to remove those older dates in this revision, registrars and counselors at the colleges need to know exactly when the new requirements take effect so they may be applied equitably across the state when students undergo their degree audits.

Second, has anyone considered revisiting the math competency requirement (in paragraph (d)(2)) in light of the passage of AB 705? In response to this legislation, many colleges have stopped offering the prerequisite course that is titled "Elementary Algebra" in the regulation, which means that, at many colleges, the "Intermediate Algebra" course cited in the regulation no longer has a prerequisite. The long-standing definition of "Intermediate Algebra" that has been couched in terms of a prerequisite course may therefore need to be emended, given the new legal and operational environment in which we find ourselves. It should be possible to devise a prerequisite-free definition, perhaps by following the model used in paragraph (d)(1) to specify the characteristics of the Freshman Composition course that satisfies AA/AS competency in reading and written expression.

PROPOSED RESPONSE

The Board appreciates the feedback. A short-term task force will be developed to provide guidance to the colleges. The CO will work with 5C to update title 5 to align with AB 705.

COMMENTS IN SUPPORT

A written comment was received from Josh Franco, Assistant Professor, Cuyamaca College

I support the addition of a d(3): “satisfactory completion of a transfer-level course (minimum of three semester units or four quarter units) in ethnic studies. The requirement may be satisfied by obtaining a satisfactory grade in a course in ethnic studies taught in or on behalf of other departments and disciplines.”

I especially support the second clause of the section “The requirement may be satisfied by obtaining a satisfactory grade in a course in ethnic studies taught in or on behalf of other departments and disciplines.” Since this gives other disciplines the opportunity to develop and teach courses that meet the Ethnic Studies Core Competencies.

I am opposed to any recommendation that would remove this second clause from the draft regulation.

A written comment was received from Francisco C. Rodriguez, Ph.D., Chancellor, Los Angeles Community College District

On behalf of the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD) Board of Trustees, this letter provides comments to the proposed Title 5 regulations related to ethnic studies.

First, I would like to commend and thank you for the work that the Board of Governors has undertaken to advance the ethnic studies issue through the proposed Title 5 regulation changes. As you are aware LACCD sponsored AB 3310 (Muratsuchi) last legislative year, which was similar in intent to AB 1040 (Muratsuchi) that we are sponsoring this year.

At LACCD, we strongly believe that given the recent racial strife throughout the country and demands for racial equity, ethnic studies provide a critical view and understanding of our society’s history of race, ethnicity, and class, and provides the framework to put today’s urgent call for racial equity and social justice into context, which ultimately helps our students to build a more informed, racially-just and inclusive future. A future that they will inherit. Employees are expected to work collaboratively with individuals of differing racial and ethnic backgrounds – it is a standard for workplace culture. Ethnic studies complement these skill sets by providing students with an understanding of our nation’s history of race and culture that better prepares them to become well-informed, 21st century citizens and professionals in an increasingly culturally and linguistically diverse world and job marketplace.

AB 1040 (Muratsuchi) legislation provides statutory authorization for community colleges to offer ethnic studies courses consistent with the California State University (CSU) requirements mandated by AB 1460 (Weber) [Chapter 32, Statutes of 2020].

AB 1040 does the following: • Both complements and conforms to the requirements in AB 1460, Dr. Shirley Weber’s landmark legislation to require satisfactory completion of a lower division ethnic studies course in order to receive a bachelor’s degree at the California State University system. • Requires all community colleges to offer at a minimum one, 3 -unit ethnic studies course to ensure community college students can complete a lower division ethnic studies course at the community college, saving students time and money and facilitating their transfer to the CSU system. • Requires development of Title 5 Regulations to implement this new legislative requirement. • Requires streamlined and expedited course approval process, thereby saving time and resources. • Requires portability of ethnic studies courses among districts, enabling students to take courses in neighboring colleges.

We believe AB 1040 is complementary to the proposed Title 5 regulations and will strengthen the regulatory process in the following ways: • Statute is Essential to Maximize Opportunities for Funding. As noted above, AB 1040 includes a provision for adoption of Title 5 regulations to implement the ethnic studies requirement. While LACCD supports the adoption of Title 5 regulations, statute is also needed to ensure full implementation of ethnic studies requirements. Specifically, Title 5 regulations will not ensure full funding of ethnic studies programs. We believe that statute is needed to ensure the mandate provides full consideration for review by the legislature, the Department of Finance, and the Administration. • Ethnic Studies Courses Must Satisfy CSU Transfer Requirement. As currently drafted, regulations do not clarify that ethnic studies courses offered will satisfy the CSU transfer requirement. We believe that language should be included to make this a requirement. Failure to do so would mean community college students would have wasted time and expense to take a course that did not satisfy the CSU graduation requirement. • Expedited Course Approval Process. The Title 5 regulations do not provide for an expedited and streamlined course approval process. Consideration should be given to adoption of emergency regulations to ensure ethnic studies courses in the community colleges are in place consistent with the CSU requirement. Failure to do this will mean community college students will be unable to take ethnic studies courses and delay their plans for transfer or they must take the course in the CSU system where the tuition and fees are higher. • Curriculum Portability Provisions Needed. Ethnic studies courses and programs need to be immediately portable among community college districts. It provides opportunities to offer dual enrollment to K12 high schools. This ensures that ethnic studies courses are offered in the community colleges consistent with the timelines imposed by the CSU ethnic studies requirement. Offering portability as soon as possible both in statute and regulation is essential as the current, cumbersome CID process can take as long as three years to implement. It will also help reduce the statewide implementation costs of the ethnic studies requirement.

We welcome the opportunity to further discuss these and any issues that you may have regarding the provisions of AB 1040. Thank you for your time and consideration. A written comment was received from Ingrid Sbacchi Bairstow, Associate Faculty, MiraCosta College

On behalf of MiraCosta College, I, Ingrid Bairstow, am writing to express my strong support for Revisions to Title 5, 55063, Minimum Requirements for the Associate Degree (Ethnic Studies Requirement).

The Title V Revision for the Ethnic Studies Requirement will provide to ethnic studies courses at each community college district and requires the completion of one, three-unit course, in ethnic studies as a requirement to obtain an associate degree. Ethnic studies is an interdisciplinary and comparative study of race and ethnicity of the four historically defined racialized core groups: Native Americans, African Americans, Asian Pacific Islander Americans, and Latina/o Americans.

In June 2020, the Chancellor's Office put out the Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Call to Action, which called for, among other things, campuses to audit classroom climate and create action plans to create inclusive classrooms and anti-racism curriculum. As such, instituting Ethnic Studies as a graduation requirement for the Associate degree is an important first step in diversifying curriculum and one important tool for creating antiracism curriculum.

In 2020, the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges (ASCCC) adopted resolution 9.03 calling for an Ethnic Studies graduation requirement. The Student Senate for California Community Colleges (SSCCC) similarly adopted resolution S21.01.05 also advocating for an Ethnic Studies graduation requirement. The California Community Colleges Ethnic Studies Faculty Council, consisting of 200 Ethnic Studies faculty from across the CCC system, is also advocating for this (and other) Ethnic Studies reform. There is a clear call from both faculty and students to implement an Ethnic Studies degree requirement.

Former Assembly member Shirley Weber introduced AB 1460 (Weber), now signed into law, [Chapter 32, Statutes of 2020] requires California State University (CSU) students to complete one ethnic studies course as part of the CSU graduation requirement, commencing with students graduating in the 2024-25 academic year. In implementing the Title V Revision, all California Community Colleges will provide the Ethnic Studies courses our students will now need to prepare them for transfer to the CSU system. As California Community Colleges are doing the work to institute Ethnic Studies as a transfer requirement, implementing an Ethnic Studies Associate degree requirement will align with those efforts and ensure all students have access to the Ethnic Studies curriculum.

The California Community Colleges serve 2.3 million students, where seventy-four percent are racial and ethnic minorities. Approximately, 70 of the 116 community colleges or sixty percent offer an ethnic studies course. Many of these students attended California high schools and have not had the benefit of learning their own history or cultures and their contributions to society. Over the past 52 years, there have been few proactive efforts to provide the leadership and circumstances necessary to promote and to integrate ethnic studies into the mainstream of the community college curriculum. Students cannot afford to wait another 50 years.

We urge your support of the Title V Revision for the Ethnic Studies Requirement.

A written comment was received from Emily Datta, Student, De Anza College

Dear Board of Governors,

While as a student, I have yet to take an ethnic studies course at the time of writing this, I am excited to take one. Ethnic studies courses offer a more involved and personal approach into the systematic racism and generational trauma that people of color face in the United States. It allows students a platform to share their personal experiences regarding their race or ethnic group, as well as take in and inter nalize the experiences of others. In a way, ethnic studies could be seen as another division of history classes; however, ethnic studies has the ability to hold more personal weight than the more emotionally void presentation of history oftentimes taught in earlier school levels such as high school. As someone who is both South and East Asian, I’ve never learned the complexities of Asian discrimination and racism in my 12+ years of education. By extending the ethnic studies requirements, students like me will finally get to learn about the racism our Asian ethnic groups currently face in more depth than ever before. Similarly, we can learn about these things about an ethnic group we are not a part of. I urge the board of governors to approve the title 5 requ irements.

A written comment was received from Tejhasvi Jaikumar, Student, De Anza College

Dear Board of Governors,

Given the numerous people of color who have been harassed and murdered along with the numerous Asian American hate crimes during a global pandemic, it’s imperative that we take action against systemic racism through educating people, which will aid students to identify and address issues impacting our society such as systemic racism, generational trauma, and oppression. Students can learn to deconstruct internalized racism and oppression and become empowered. In my own experience, after watching innocent people who lost their lives at the hands of cops, it made me want to be more aware of black history, which prompted me to take two race related courses from political & sociological viewpoints. It has allowed me to understand race from two very different perspectives. Based on what I have learnt and given the dire circumstances, we need to promote antiracism & ensure that people are making a conscious effort to be more aware of their own biases. Thus, I urge the board of governors to approve title 5 requirements. A written comment was received from Zayra Huerta Camacho, Student, De Anza College

Dear Board of Governors,

I attended a Latina Life and Experience course during the winter quarter 2021. I can proudly say that I learned a lot more about my culture as a Latina and how to overcome the antiquated concepts bestowed upon the future generations. Overall, this course taught me more about my culture, myself and how to erase the stigma against latinx women. I would say ethnic classes are very important to educate people on cultural issues in order to make people well-rounded citizens. It also allows students to become more powerful as they gain insight on how to actively defy oppression and fight racism towards their communities through various forms of activism. I would highly encourage everyone to take at least one ethnic studies course to gain these constructive qualities as the subject truly focuses on helping others and the communities. In order to create change we must first be educated in the history of cu ltural oppression and it’s long term effects. By taking ethnic studies courses people would have knowledge on how to dismantle the racist and oppressive ideology. Previous to taking the course, I was not as educated in my culture or aware that certain things were an issue to other Latina women outside of myself. I learned how intergenerational trauma had an important part in shaping how Latinas behave and interpret situations. Through this I have become more inspired to defy stereotypes and work to have more Latinx representation.

A written comment was received from Thao Tran, Student, De Anza College

Dear Board of Governors, By taking an ethnic studies course, there are many things that I have learned from this class about race and ethnicity. This course allows students to share their own experience, learn about the origins of discrimination, and gives an insight to the systemic racism in our society that people of color have been facing over decades a nd generations. Overall, I believe we need to ensure students and the community understand about race, culture and ethnicity to create more equality and better lives for all U.S citizens. Hence, I urge the governors to approve the title five requirements.

A written comment was received from Soheil Hejazi Shoar, Student, De Anza College

Dear Board of governors,

My name is Soheil Hejazi Shoar. It's my third quarter at De Anza College. So far my politics class is the first class that has been informing me about all the issues our society is having with ethnicity. Before taking this class, my reply to every riot or whoever fought for equality was “calm down”, I thought this situation (racial inequality) could only be ignored and not fixed. I have learned from my politics class how ignoring isn't the solution. The most important topic I have studied and learned throughout this class is how the top 1% get to control everything, how by time goes they get richer and the rest get poorer; knowing this makes me uncomfortable because I see how powerless we are compared to the ones controlling everything (the top 1%, or the elites). I want everyone else to learn about what I've learned so far in this class, maybe the people could finally win. This same situation is happening between ethnicities, the one with more power or seen as more powerful gains more respect, and the one who doesn't, gains less. My request from you governors is: Please inform students of where they stand in society because some students tend to live in a fantasy and once they enter the real world they take a hard fall realizing they don't have as much power as they thought or not everyone's beliefs are the same as theirs. This could be done by requiring more classes related to politics or race. Because it is important to learn about self, community, society, power, and discrimination that still exists.

A written comment was received from Cesia Villegas, Student, De Anza College

Although I haven’t attended any ethnic studies courses, I did attend the Ethnic Studies Multiracial Panel Series regarding Native American and Indigenous Studies. By attending the panel, where we discussed the oppression indigenous people face in their daily lives. This aided me to analyze the importance of the study of ethics and understand the kind of oppression that I experienced in my life. Being a person born and raised in Mexico, I experience a certain oppression living in the United States since my race is recognized by certain stereotypes that honestly do not describe us all. This type of treatment, thanks to stereotypes, became normal for many Mexicans. The panel gave me the tools (information) necessary not to excuse this behavior and to be less tolerant of certain disrespects that are considered oppressive. This panel opened my mind to different types of oppression that before this meeting I did not know of their existence or that I did not consider as an act of oppression.

I urge the board of governors to approve title 5 requirements.

A written comment was received from Bryant Kha, Student, De Anza College

Dear Board of Governors,

Given the current problem with people of color is that others have shown ways to hurt people by stereotyping them even though it is not all true. I learn how Native Americans have been identified and labeled and named from the outsider’s viewpoint and that’s just a core part of their ethical moral-spiritual cultural values. We get a review of an image from the book called The Sacred Tree, where there’s an image of the Medicine Wheel, which elaborates on the four aspects of our nature: Mental, Physical, Emotional, and Spiritual. The reason for the Medicine Wheel to me is the form of a connection that makes a being like a human or a dog. Mental is the process of how we think, Physical is what makes us beings whole to act out, Emotional is the feeling that we can express with each other, and Spiritual is what makes us be alive and free. The Medicine Wheel helped me to understand the importance of my very being by understanding a different culture and to understand why not to stereotyping other races. My experience has taught me the importance of taking an Ethnic Studies course and helped me grow my knowledge of Native Americans’ culture. Thus, I urge the board of governors to approve title 5 requirements.

A written comment was received from Laurel Olson, Student, De Anza College

Dear Board of Governors,

Although I haven’t attended an Ethnic Studies course, as I have watched the horrifying Asian hate crimes that have increased in the last year and a half, I am extremely concerned for their community. There have been incidents ranging from assault on the streets in San Francisco to the mass shootings in Atlanta. While, it may seem easy for the perpetrator to target a group due to cultural differences, G.W. Hegel once stated that we do not recognize the other as it does not recognize us. I believe that the white supremacist society that we live in exacerbates this idea into Hegel’s idea on the slave/master dynamic, that the master needs the slave in order to recognize him as the master, but the slave does not need the master because the master is oppressive and dehumanizes the “slave”. It is seriously difficult to understand the dynamic however at its core, the master, due to the colonialist history must be assumed to be white supremacists and the slave, should not be truly thought of as a slave, but as an oppressed group of people. White supremacists need a reason for them to hate minorities, which is why it is of the utmost importance that the philosophical values of multicultural societies are studied carefully, so that the population of the society are more aware of and educated regarding various issues that the minority communities face. Thus, I urge the board of governors to approve title 5 requirements, which would be a step forward in creating change in the society.

A written comment was received from Braden Micik, Student, De Anza College

Dear Board of Governors,

Although I’ve never had the opportunity to take an Ethn ic studies course at (De Anza/ Foothill) College, I still wish that this hadn’t been the case. In 8th grade, I remember learning about WW2 in U.S. history and how we went to war to end the tyranny of Nazi Germany, but only glancing at pages describing a word that I didn’t even fully understand at the time “Internment Camp”. It would only be until later in my academic career that I would finally find out what an internment camp was after reading Farewell To Manzanar by Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston, and James D. Houston. Still even then I had only a slight understanding of what really occurred during this time period in American History. At the present in the midst of a global pandemic, the BLM movement has gained popularity from around the world due to the unjust murders of innocent black people, and an increase in Asian hate crimes, I wish that I had taken an Ethnic studies course in order to be more aware of the pain & suffering that many people are facing. This would have in turn allowed me to make a difference in my community in response to these horrific hate crimes. Thus, I urge the Board of Governors to approve the title 5 requirements.

A written comment was received from Cindy Trinh, Student

Taking an ethnic studies course would greatly improve a student’s understanding of the history of racial discrimination and division, race, and culture. As I am currently taking ICS 25: Grassroots Democracy: Race, Politics, and the American Promise, I have gained a deeper understanding and knowledge of both past and contemporary issues regarding race as well as minority representation in government. Being able to learn more about these topics has allowed me to gain insight and understand the unjust issues that minority groups have constantly been facing.

I urge the board of governors to approve title 5 requirements.

A written comment was received from Nicky Nguyen, Student

In regards to the Ethnic Studies Requirement,

It is evident to me as a business student that the social climate calls for the understanding of racial justice and ethnic studies in order to succeed. It is imperative for businesses and those who operate them to do so ethically and understand why it is significant.

Racist ideals must be kept in the past and in order to obstruct its continuation from the corporate and general environment, I believe that it is necessary to start requiring ethnic studies for the Associate Degree. Building an understanding of those in our community is a step towards a better community and a step towards dispelling ignorance and bigotry within our society. Requiring ethnic studies courses would be one of the essential steps to accomplish such great feats.

I urge the board of governors to approve Title 5, Section 55063 requirements.

A written comment was received from Nicky Nguyen, Student, De Anza College

Dear Board of Governors,

Throughout my time at De Anza College, I have been lucky enough to engage in numerous classes and events that have taught me the importance of truly understanding a race and its culture. I have learned things about my own culture that have made me, as a Latinx woman, deconstruct and rebuild the racist and sexist ideology behind things that I didn’t know existed prior to taking these classes. Many students do not take the time to learn about their generational trauma, and hurt themselves throughout their academic experience because they are unaware of things that are not their fault. Overall, my experience with ethnic studies has given me a sense of power in my educational journey that I lacked when I was in high school. Promoting a safe space where students can learn to deconstruct racist, sexist, and homophobic ideologies that are imbedded into society will not only benefit the student, but benefit the community. I urge the board of governors to approve title 5 requirements.

A written comment was received from Alexander Nguyen, Student

In the present day, there is a lot of inequality, and part of it stems from the lack of studying racism and inequality. I think it’s important to note that a lot of California, in general, is a mix of different cultures and rac es so it's important to learn about those different cultures. To add on, what separates California from the other states educational system is how we are willing to be diverse and accepting of other cultures, compared to the east coast where ethnic studies are rarely taught to students which is part of the reason why many students fail to realize the racism/inequality in American. So that's why it is necessary to enact Title 5, Section 55063 Minimum Requirements for the Associate Degree to ensure that the study of racism and inequality continues. (Ethnic Studies Requirement)

A written comment was received from Douglas Yeung, Student

Although I have never taken an Ethnic studies course, I believe taking a class is highly beneficial for students in California since it helps students learn about cultural differences and be more aware of the present & past situations in the country. Given the rising hate- related crimes, it is important that people are educated regarding the inequalities that many communities have faced. Thus, if Title 5 requirements are approved, then students can learn more about other cultures that they never knew before, which would help ease tension between races and allow us to coexist in peace.

A written comment was received from Harrington Fan, Student, De Anza College

Taking many Asian American Studies courses in De Anza college made me realize the experience of minority ethnic groups in the U.S. which was not even mentioned in high school. Ethnic studies is not only about the study of a single ethnic group but also the recognition of the historical legacy from systemic racism wielding its influence till today. It’s necessary to let students know that America is neither white America, nor any single group’s America and all of ethnic groups constitute a complete and real American society. The recent hatred and hostility targeting Black Americans and Asian Americans indicates that racism never dissipates and we are all surrounded by the invisible prejudice and distorted values hurting us more or less. So please support Title 5, Section 55063 to build a better world with equality and love.

I urge the board of governors to approve title 5, section 55063 requirements. A written comment was received from Huy T Nguyen, Student, De Anza College

Dear board of governors

My name is Huy T Nguyen, I am an international student, attending De Anza college. Coming to the environment where it is diverse, I have a difficult time understanding different cultures and ethnicity. This quarter, I had a chance to take a Political and Race class. At first it was just for transfer requirements, but after a while, I understood more about race and ethnicity and how it plays an important role in American society, especially for students at college and higher education. I believe that Title 5, Section 55063 Minimum Requirements for the Associate Degree (Ethnic Studies Requirement), is important, because it will help students from different ethnicities understand one another. In a way it could be a really first step to fight against racism in America.

I urge the board of governors to approve title 5, section 55063 requirements.

A written comment was received from Anthony Maciel, Student

Ethnic studies give us a necessary perspective on the world around us. History of Multicultural Art gave me a completely new insight into the systematic issues people of color have faced in the United States. I have learned about systematic oppression and its impact throughout our country's history. I was made more aware of the limited opportunities given to people of color. The consequences have been generational and it is still affecting American citizens. Even though we are growing up in the Bay Area, which contains a diverse community, I was completely unaware of the systematic disadvantages my neighbors are dealing with. I realized that understanding the struggles our neighbors deal with is an essential step to making things more equal. Ethnic studies have been an integral part of my college experience and have opened my eyes to issues I was not aware of. I was blissfully unaware of the battles people face every day at the hand of systematic oppression. Thus, I urge the board of governors to approve title 5 requirements since I believe that Ethnic Studies is absolutely an essential step towards creating a welcoming community college environment.

A written comment was received from En Ching Wang, Student, De Anza College

Given the high number of Asian hate crimes, where many of my Asian friends have suffered many words of abuse from people who originate from other communities. I believe that if people took ethnic studies then they would be more aware of the present situations that many minority groups face. When I took a Latino Literature class, I learnt more about the Latino history. When I compared this experience to my high school classes, where most textbooks are about White Americans, and portrays the stereotypes of various ethnic groups. Hence, I urge the board of governors to approve title 5 requirements, which would help people to understand the culture differences, and the inequalities that the minority groups face.

A written comment was received from Jasmine Arde, Student, De Anza College

Ethnic studies courses are critical to opening a person’s mind about understanding others’ cultures. The United States is known for being the world’s melting pot -- hundreds of people flock to this country in hopes of something better. However, the lack of understanding and empathy towards a diverse group of people takes away from that hopeful idea and contributes to discrimination. The idea of ethnic studies gives us a broader sense of what the rest of the world experiences as well as the realization that minority groups still face inequalities in many, if not all aspects. Thus, I urge the board of governors to approve title 5 requirements.

A written comment was received from Samantha Rao, Student, De Anza College

Dear board of governors,

Ethnic Studies courses should be required for college students because it allows for communication for different groups of people. It eases things over because the students can learn about the history, way of thinking, and lives of those other from them. By providing this to students, it can lead to decreasing the amount of prejudice and stereotyping in California because they will be informed the truth. I urge the board of governors to approve title 5, section 55063 requirements.

A written comment was received from Angela Li, Student, De Anza College

Dear board of governors,

Ethnic studies was a course that I wasn't too familiar with before college and recently I decided to take an ASAM (Asian American Studies). The class taught about many aspects that I was unfamiliar with before and that connect back to what we are learning in poli such as the model minority myth and the corrupt systems that uphold white supremacy. Not only will the course teach you about what’s outside the history books, but it will expose oppression and discrimination endured by minority groups. Thus, I urge the board of governors to approve title 5 requirements.

A written comment was received from Sophie Cao, Student, De Anza College

Dear board of governors, Although I have never taken an ethnic studies course, I know how valuable it is since I have taken a humanities course, where I learnt how important it is to take an ethnic studies course. In a country where there are a high number of immigrants and citizens from various backgrounds, it is imperative that there is an understanding toward the many different cultures and traditions that are brought here. People have to face systemic injustice and discrimination to fight for their own rights. Thus, I urge the board of governors to approve title 5 requirements due to my belief that the lack of education and representation is important to address and resolve the issues faced by people of color.

A written comment was received from Jana Ly, Student, De Anza College

Dear board of governors,

As a first-year student in college, I wish there was more exposure to ethnic studies courses because I personally did not know that ethnic studies courses existed until the end of my spring quarter. However, I understand and want to stress the importance o f these classes. Many people do not know about their roots and culture, let alone that of others. I think that learning about these topics is vital in establishing one’s identity. Having such classes will allow for students to engage and understand differe nt races/cultures, which will ultimately cultivate healthy and safe environments, not only in school but also in each person’s personal life. Furthermore, students will be able to learn about issues that are greatly affecting our society today, such as xenophobia, systemic racism, and generational trauma. This will broaden student’s worldview who may be learning about the material for the first time, but also help students who experience a feeling of internalized unworthiness feel wanted and empowered. Ther efore, I urge the board of governors to approve title 5, section 55063 requirements.

A written comment was received from Aiden Drybrae, Student, De Anza College

Dear Board of Governors,

As a freshman student at De Anza College, this is my first time learni ng about ethnic studies, which makes me believe that ethnic studies courses are rare to find. I had the privilege of attending the Ethic Studies multiracial panel session, where I learned how indigenous people are often and commonly misrepresented. They take pride in their relationship with the land and nature. I also learned about how common police harassment is for the average African American student at De Anza. Through my experience of attending the panel sessions, I can state that ethnic studies courses will provide an essential background of various races or cultures, and aid in recognizing the importance of these racial groups. I believe that Title 5 section 55063 has the power to alter how the education system operates along with stressing the overall importance of education. So, I request that the board of governors approve the Title 5 requirements. A written comment was received from Thekima Mayasa, Faculty, San Diego Mesa College

Dear Regulations Coordinator,

Yes, I SUPPORT California Community College faculty and student calls for an Ethnic Studies Graduation Requirement as adopted and supported by the: 1. Academic Senate for California Community Colleges (ASCCC) Resolution 9.3 2. Student Senate for California Community Colleges (SSCCC) Resolution S21.01.05 3. California Community Colleges Ethnic Studies Faculty Council (CCCESFC - Full Support)

A written comment was received from Linda Habeebullah, teacher/community member, Hayward CA

Dear Regulations Coordinator,

A written comment was received from Afriyah Mayasa- Hailey, San Diego CA

I am writing this in support for ethnic studies. As a student it has helped understand my identity and played a major role in me for finishing my degree. It is important and ne eds to be supported and funded.

A written comment was received from Jannah Ali, faculty/student/community member, San Diego CA

Dear Regulations Coordinator,