The Ethnic Studies Coalition is made up of organizations across the state and include youth, parents, educators, researchers, policy makers, and activists. The Coalition was formed in 2019 to build the necessary capacity to demand that the state of Minnesota effectively educate all students by providing a more holistic and accurate curriculum.
Ethnic Studies is “an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the histories, worldviews, and current realities of ethnic groups and indigenous peoples around the world, and specifically those who have experienced the brunt of European colonization. Ethnic Studies centers those who have been historically erased from mainstream curricula due to persistent racism, patriarchy, xenophobia, and linguistic imperialism. Ethnic studies educators teach at all levels, Pre-K through Ph.D, and in all subject areas. In social studies, ethnic studies may explore the pre and post-colonial history of a particular group (e.g. African American history, Chicanx history, Dakota history). In the language arts, ethnic studies may focus on preserving heritage languages or show how language and literacies are used in particular communities (e.g. Hmong language revitalization, Somali poetry, Spanish for Spanish Speakers, fugitive literacies from--and for--the African diaspora). In STEM, ethnic studies may explore how specific ethnic groups or tribal nations have used math and science as a cultural practice (e.g. Ethnomathematics, Ojibwe architecture).” (Education for Liberation Minnesota)
Centering an Ethnic Studies approach to education is critical to helping Minnesota youth develop a holistic understanding of people, and their relationships to land, natural resources, and each other across space and time. Within the context of Minnesotan history, Ethnic Studies serves as a medium through which students can learn more accurately about their state’s history, geography, diverse inhabitants, government, and economics.
The Ethnic Studies Coalition, based in the Twin Cities, is focusing its efforts into three initiatives: 1) HF1502 / SF 1476 to implement a state-wide Ethnic Studies general education requirement 2) revising the state Social Studies Standards through participating in the Minnesota Social Studies Standards Revision Committee and 3) Ethnic Studies Teacher licensure through PELSB’s Standards of Effective Practice.
Through all avenues, the Ethnic Studies coalition is aiming towards solidifying Ethnic Studies into the general education of students across Minnesota.
Asian American Organizing Project | Coalition of Asian American Leaders| Education Evolving | Education for Liberation Minnesota | League of Latinx Educator | Navigate MN | Youth 4 Ethnic Studies | Climate Generation: A Will Steger Legacy | Minneapolis Federation of Teachers 59 | Minnesota Educators Against ICE | Saint Paul Promise Neighborhood | National Hmong Language Teachers Coalition
