Campaign for a Beloved Community: Racial Literacy Discourse in the Legitimization of Ethnic Studies in Secondary School Curriculum

• In Event: 54.080 - Roundtable Session 22
  In Roundtable Session: 54.080-12 - Critical Examinations of Socioeconomic Status and Social Class in Education

Abstract

This paper examines the public discourses of 17 individuals, primarily Asian American students, in a campaign for curriculum reform in a secondary schooling context. In particular, it focuses on discourses directed toward public officials and the public that serve to legitimize ethnic studies. I utilize the concept of dynamic constituencies to highlight students’ stories. The findings illustrate the contours of racial literacy discourse, which contests an educational focus on racial neoliberalism. I conclude by discussing how student stories are guided by a vision and an attempt to foster a beloved community. The full manuscript addresses implications for policy and future research.

Author

• Rican Vue, Oregon State University