49.012 - Film Expo: Stolen Education

Session Type: Invited Speaker Session

Abstract

Stolen Education documents the untold story of Mexican American school children who challenged discrimination in Texas schools in the 1950’s and changed the face of education in the state.

As a 9 year-old second grader, Lupe had been forced to remain in the first grade for three years, not because of her academic performance but solely because she was Mexican American. Degraded for speaking Spanish, Mexican American students were relegated to a “beginner,” “low,” and then “high” first grade – a practice that was not uncommon across the Southwest.

The film portrays the courage of these young people, testifying in an era when fear and intimidation were used to maintain racial hierarchy and control. The students won the case, but for almost sixty years the case was never spoken about in the farming community where they lived despite its significance.

Film Website: http://www.videoproject.com/stoleneducation.html

Sub Unit

• AERA Presidential Session

Chairs

• Jonathan I Gayles, Georgia State University

• Enrique Aleman, The University of Texas - San Antonio