Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About Portland observer. (Portland, Or.) 1970-current | View Entire Issue (June 28, 2017)
June 28, 2017 Page 5 Terence Keller A full Service Realtor • List & Sell your House • Find your New Home • Help you Invest • Find you the Best Loan • Help with Pre-Sale Prep • Hold Open House to sell your home Oregon students led the passage of a bill creating ethnic studies in the state’s K-12 schools. (APANO photo) Ethnic Studies Bill Passes Measure meant to make schools more inclusive e riC t egethoff Students and racial-justice groups in the state are among those applauding a bill now on the governor’s desk that should make Oregon schools feel more inclu- sive for students of color. Under House Bill 2845, the Oregon Department of Education will adopt ethnic studies standards in social studies classes for K-12 schools statewide. Zahir Janmohamed, the poli- cy director of the Asian Pacific American Network of Oregon, one of the groups that backed the bill, says Oregon students are the ones who pushed for it. “It didn’t come about from aca- by demics, it didn’t come about from sort of policy groups, it came about from youth,” he says. “So, this is really their victory today.” California is the only other state to establish ethnic studies standards. The new standards will focus on the histories of commu- nities of color, as well as Jewish and LGBTQ communities, and gender groups. Lamar Wise, the legislative di- rector of the Oregon Student As- sociation says students of color in Oregon have been concerned for a long time about the lack of rep- resentation in textbooks and the curriculum. Wise says the problem has even contributed to higher absenteeism. However, he says the recent rise in hate crimes, such as a racial- ly-motivated stabbing on a Port- land train, heightened the urgency of this bill. 5010 NE 9th Ave Portland, Or 97211 Phone: 503 284-2989 We specialize in a variety of cuts for men and women, hot towel razor shaves, braiding, hair extension, Shampoo, blow dryer and Platinum fade. Call Today or Walk in !!! “The frustration from students has come to a point where it’s climaxed, and there’s been an upswell of students and organiza- tions who wanted to address it,” he explains. “And I think legisla- tors also felt that same way, which is why they passed the bill.” After Gov. Kate Brown signs the bill, Wise says his group and others will be watching as the Oregon Department of Education develops rules and assembles an advisory committee. For now, he commends the students’ grass- roots movement that helped get this bill passed. “There was a lot of planning that went into it, and students did a great job in making sure that they were leading the effort and that their stories were at the forefront,” Wise adds. Eric Tegethoff is a reporter for Oregon News Service. Portland is my Town Call Terence Keller 503 839-6126 Liberty Group Realtors Inc. terencekellersr@gmail.com • Oregon License 200306037 Spring Special Sweet Street Food Cart Located at 15th and Alberta call 503-995-6150 to place order Mon. - Fri., 11:00am - 7:00pm • Sat. - Sun., 11:00am - 5:00pm Wednesday Special: 3 Wings $2.00 Friday Special: Rib Sandwich, Beef or Pork, $4.00