16.011 - The Fight for Ethnic Studies in Texas: Decolonizing the Curriculum

Session Type: Invited Speaker Session

Abstract

The session focuses on the grassroots struggle for ethnic studies in Texas largely spearheaded by scholars who, with researchers, students and faculty, are members of National Association for Chicana and Chicano Studies Tejas Foco. The organization pursues ethnic studies legislation even as it celebrates the movement’s monumental achievement in the unanimous November 2016 vote by the legendary conservative Texas State Board of Education (SBOE) to reject a deeply flawed, racist text. Presentations will encompass the research undergirding ethnic studies, the civil rights legacy of ethnic studies nationally and in Texas, and the mechanics of building a community base and coalition that led to the Texas SBOE’s rejection of a racist text and now is advancing agendas of ethnic studies curricula, teacher preparation, and policy. The presentations thematically link the extent, expression and impact of subjugated histories and knowledge as a form of dismissal, experienced as authors of the proposed text ignored four decades of award-winning scholarship in history and ethnic studies.  This problematic begs the larger question of possessive investment in the status quo that privileges Anglo-centric values imbedded in the epistemologies of schooling.  The role of research as a tool to advocate for ethnic studies will also be discussed.

Sub Unit

• AERA Presidential Session

Chair

• Martha P. Cotera

Participants

• Linda McSpadden McNeil, Rice University

• Juan Tejeda, Palo Alto College

• Emilio Zamora

• Angela Valenzuela, The University of Texas - Austin

Discussant

• Martha P. Cotera