S.F. school district to keep ethnic studies but opts for pre-packaged alternative

The San Francisco Unified School District announced that ethnic studies courses will proceed for fall 2025, reversing previous plans to temporarily suspend the program. Superintendent Maria Su will oversee the review and selection of a new curriculum, borrowing from successful models already in use in California. Teachers voiced strong opposition to the potential pause, warning it would disrupt student learning and lead to logistical issues, prompting a petition with nearly 2,000 signatures. While some parents have raised concerns about the course's organization and perceived ideological bias, ethnic studies remains a one-year graduation requirement for all students. The district has offered ethnic studies for 15 years and plans to transition to a more standardized curriculum.

A joint statement from the teachers' and administrators' unions affirmed their support for maintaining the program and highlighted the importance of professional input in the review process. Anna Klafter, president of the administrators' union, expressed optimism about collaborative discussions regarding the curriculum audit. The review will involve contributions from families, teachers, and the school board to ensure a comprehensive evaluation.