“Who Shall Educate the Mexican and Native Children?” The Demise of the Center for the Study of Migrant and Indian Education and La Escuelita in the Yakima Valley, Washington 1968-74

• In Event: Roundtable Session 112
  In Roundtable Session: African American, Latino, and Native Peoples’ Experiences in the Mid-20th-Century United States

Abstract

This paper traces the history of two university associated educational institutions, the Center for the Study of Migrant and Indian Education (CMIE) and La Escuelita (the little school) established in the Yakima Valley of Washington State from 1968-1974. Both institutions attempted to build culturally centered resources for the needs of Latino and Native American students and a specific educational vision for rural Washington State. Using archival records, CMIE educational materials, newsletters, community editorials, and personal correspondences this paper studies the decline of both institutions. From the evidence, I conclude the demise of both institutions was attributed to the struggle and disconnect with the local communities over power, identity, and how best to improve the conditions of disenfranchised students.

Author

• Gonzalo Guzman, University of Washington