A recent ruling declared that Tucson, Arizona’s Mexican-American studies program violates state law. Public schools in the district could face millions of dollars in penalties after an administrative judge declared the curriculum to be “biased, political, and emotionally charged.” The finding could result in the state withholding 10% of funding, or about $15 million a year, until the district changes the course.
District officials appealed the ruling, pointing out that an early audit conducted found “no observable evidence” that the classes violated state law. A witness defended the school system, arguing that teaching students “historical facts of oppression and racism” was less likely to promote “racial resentment” than ignoring that history.
