For Immediate Release

January 11, 2021

SAN DIEGO, CA -- January 11, 2021- Californians for Equal Rights (CFER) is pleased to announce our participation in an emerging coalition of civil society organizations regarding the incursion of divisive critical ethnic studies (CES) in California's public education. Under this dynamic coalition, CFER is partnering up with the Alliance for Constructive Ethnic Studies (ACES), the AMCHA Initiative, and Educators for Excellence in Ethnic Studies for a shared purpose of educating the public about the harms of critical ethnic studies on our fundamental principles of equality and merit through strategic collaboration, community organizing and public education.

Not only is critical ethnic studies or critical pedagogy problematic by dividing individuals into rival groups of victims vis-à-vis oppressors, but it also contravenes California's constitutional principle of equal treatment by advocating for race- and sex-based treatment of our fellow Californians. Sadly, this formerly niche school of thought has been thrusted into public spotlight with the help of organized interests behind racial spoils and political indoctrination. Although California's political machinery and its elitist supporters failed to reinstitute race preferences on the November 2020 ballot, this powerful bandwagon is now carrying out a scaled-up operation to promote the institutionalization of critical ethnic studies in our everyday life. In the face of such a formidable opponent, CFER recognizes the urgent need for a broad-based alliance to expose such a divisive plan and its grave consequences on our social solidarity, racial harmony and most importantly, the balanced development of our next generation.

Notably, the much-anticipated final draft of Ethnic Studies Model Curriculum was followed closely by the introduction of AB101 in the California state assembly. These two parallel developments respond affirmatively to a national movement to champion critical social justice and critical ethnic studies.  Both would embolden proponents' hijacking of California's K-12 education to promote political propaganda at the expense of academic instruction. Bringing their in-depth understanding and valuable experience on this issue, our partner organizations are each uniquely equipped with the extensive knowhow necessary for an effective coalition against varied attacks on merit, excellence, and societal cohesion.

Frank Xu, CFER's President commented: "Ethnic studies should reflect a holistic understanding of our proud cultural heritage and promote multicultural understanding and respect for the very values that make us American. Only by building bridges and recognizing our past success can we meaningfully address racism and bigotry. Unfortunately, the critical ethnic studies framework is just the opposite."

"Political activists are attempting to covertly hijack and exploit California's legislative and educational systems to indoctrinate our students -- both on the K-12 and state university levels -- to be foot soldiers for their political agenda. This is wrong, reprehensible and dangerous. Students interested in political activism should be encouraged to join clubs or take an elective of their choice, however, we cannot allow politics to be disguised as education, and students to be forced by the state to take divisive courses that can't help but incite bigotry and harm," said AMCHA Director Tammi Rossman-Benjamin.