Fronteras

TUCSON - Arizona Superintendent Diane Douglas visited schools in Southern Arizona this week. She dropped in on a history class in Tucson with district superintendent H.T. Sanchez.

This is the second time the two officials have met to discuss the district’s violation of a state law that bans ethnic studies. 

The two superintendents observed a class called U.S. History from the Mexican-American perspective.

“Arizona students should know the rich diversity of all ethnic groups," Douglas said. "I hope we can continue our cooperation, bring the coursework into legal compliance and build a strong and lasting relationship with TUSD."

The Arizona Department of Education found the district in violation last month and it has until March 4 to bring its content into compliance or risk losing 10 percent of monthly state aid. The law prohibits courses that promote resentment toward a race or class of people or advocate ethnic solidarity instead of the treatment of people as individuals.

TUSD Superintendent Sanchez said his conversation with Douglas was positive.

“I feel our teachers are on the right path,” he said.

Sanchez has said that the school district’s curriculum also must follow a 2013 federal court order that requires culturally relevant classes be offered. 

The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals heard arguments in January challenging the constitutionality of the state's ethnic studies ban. TUSD's Mexican-American studies program was found in violation of the law and ended up dismantling the program in 2012 because it was at risk of losing state funding. Teachers and students brought a case against the state in defense of the curriculum.