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Race and Equity

Nationwide protests for racial justice have resulted in calls for the removal of police from school campuses and greater attention to education equity and closing achievement gaps. This section includes articles and commentaries that explore questions of equity and race in California’s public schools.

Ethnic Studies
September 7, 2021

Research finds ethnic studies in San Francisco had enduring impact

Higher rates of graduation and college enrollment are tracked to course, but researcher urges caution in interpreting the study.

John Fensterwald
September 3, 2021

What kind of leader should follow Austin Beutner at LA Unified?

As Los Angeles prepares to search for a new superintendent, some wonder whether the district needs to change dramatically before bringing on a new leader.

Matt Krupnick
Race and Equity
July 21, 2021

Orange County to explore tense issues over ethnic studies and race

Orange County Superintendent Al Mijares and the county board say they aren't competing, but viewpoints at two upcoming forums will differ.

John Fensterwald
East Bay Schools
June 21, 2021

How a California middle school’s history project led to name change

A West Contra Costa Unified middle school is moving to change its name after taking a critical look at its namesake — a Franciscan missionary.

Ali Tadayon
Commentary
March 22, 2021

Being an Asian American student is a nightmare right now

Ongoing spate of hate crimes aimed against Asians leaves college student fearful for her safety and constantly worried about parents, grandparents.

Jasmine Nguyen
Race and Equity
March 19, 2021

After 8 hours, 250-plus speakers, California board adopts ethnic studies model curriculum

The state board unanimously adopted voluntary guidance for ethnic studies with one addition, clarifying the role of “critical race theory.”

John Fensterwald
Race and Equity
March 17, 2021

A final vote, after many rewrites, for California's controversial ethnic studies curriculum

The state model curriculum will provide guidelines, but districts will face the hard decisions on what and how to teach ethnic studies.

John Fensterwald
Investigation
March 1, 2021

California’s failure to diversify community college faculty tied to arcane state law

The California Community Colleges has a highly diverse student body but relies on a failed and arcane state law to diversify its faculty.

Thomas Peele And Daniel J. Willis
Race and Equity
February 22, 2021

San Francisco puts renaming of schools on hold after ‘mistakes’

School board President Gabriela López said she wants “to provide more opportunities for community input.”

Louis Freedberg
Community Colleges
January 14, 2021

CA Chancellor Oakley backs college leaders after blowback for denouncing Capitol violence

Community College Chancellor Eloy Ortiz Oakley stepped up support for campus leaders urging them to not back down after some faced sharp attacks to statements condemning Capitol violence.

Thomas Peele And Ashley A. Smith
College & Careers
December 10, 2020

Community colleges hardest hit as college enrollment among high school graduates falls nationally amid the pandemic

High school graduates are putting off going to college as students and families cope with the financial challenges of the pandemic, a new national study shows.

Betty Márquez Rosales
Race and Equity
November 7, 2020

More changes proposed for California’s ethnic studies curriculum to strengthen ‘balance’

State schools chief adds lesson plans for Asian ethnic groups who felt left out and rewords sections to encourage multiple points of view.

John Fensterwald
Investigation
October 29, 2020

Dropping affirmative action had huge impact on California’s public universities

When California voters in 1996 rejected affirmative action, CSU and UC could no longer consider race and ethnicity in admissions, making a huge impact on the public universities.

Thomas Peele And Daniel J. Willis
Elections and Education
October 28, 2020

Ward Connerly: Anti-affirmative action leader calls Proposition 16 effort to ‘reshape’ power in California

Ward Connerly, the ex-University of California regent who fought to end affirmative action in 1996, has resurfaced to fight Proposition 16 which would allow the state's public universities to use race and ethnicity to decide admissions, faculty and contracts.

Thomas Peele
Race and Equity
October 1, 2020

Gov. Newsom vetoes requirement for ethnic studies course in high school

The governor said he favors the concept, but disagreements over the content for the course's model curriculum should be resolved first.

John Fensterwald