to: President Leslie E. Wong and Provost Vice President of Academic Affairs Sue Rosser

WE THE UNDERSIGNED WOULD LIKE TO BRING YOUR ATTENTION TO THE FOLLOWING PROBLEM, WITH RECOMMENDATION(S):

The proposed cuts to 40 percent of the COES budget will wipe out COES support for faculty hiring, research, and modest student resources that have survived a decade of systematic gutting.

These cuts will also impact students enrollment in COES classes and student’s ability to graduate in a timely manner. With a full and expanded budget allocation, not only will this enrich the community of San Francisco State University, but we hope to set an example for public schools, colleges, and universities in all of the United States.

IN SOLIDARITY WITH THE COLLEGE OF ETHNIC STUDIES.

I support AB 101 (Alejo) which would require school districts to provide students with a statewide, approved A-G, ethnic studies curriculum.

California has one of the largest and most diverse student populations in the nation. Ethnic minorities account for over 71 percent of the student population, with more than 90 languages spoken in District schools.

Given California’s annual increase in diversity, it is especially important that students build knowledge of the various racial and ethnic groups in our state. Incorporating ethnic studies courses into standard high school curriculum is a means to accomplish this. In doing so, students gain an encompassed outlook on other cultures while learning respect and tolerance. Additionally, it provides students with the opportunity to learn about their respective culture in the context of California’s history.

Developing ethnic studies programs in public high schools is an integral part of cultivating a classroom environment that is accepting of diverse cultures. It is vital for young people to learn about their history, but also important for them to feel like they can change their communities in positive ways. This bill will help close the achievement gap by reducing student truancy, increasing student enrollment, reduce drop-out rates, and better prepare Californian youth to be college prepared and career ready.