Why Harvard Should Teach Ethnic Studies
Start writing a post
Currently

Yes, Harvard, Ethnic Studies Should Be Taught In College, EVERY College

The United States is a racially diverse country, and higher education should reflect that diversity in its curriculum.

97
Yes, Harvard, Ethnic Studies Should Be Taught In College, EVERY College

In December, Harvard students occupied the university's admissions office to demand the creation of an ethnic studies department. Protests and rallies began after Professor Lorgia Garcia Pena, who taught courses in Latinx studies and was looking to expand the school's ethnic studies program, was denied tenure. Both students and faculty viewed denying García Peña tenure as contrary to the university's commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion. In addition to protesting in support of García Peña, students have pushed for Harvard to create a full ethnic studies department.

These protests and rallies at Harvard have sparked a conversation about if ethnic studies, as a field, is necessary in higher education and if so, why. Students belonging to racial minorities have expressed a desire to have their histories and experiences taught in their schools. Universities themselves may be diverse, but that does not necessarily mean that their curriculum and the subject material of their courses are diverse. People of color have often felt excluded and erased from American history. Consequently, having ethnic studies courses can encourage a new sense of belonging for students of color.

Furthermore, with racism still being a prevalent issue in the United States, ethnic studies can help dissolve stereotypes and give students a better understanding of the experiences of different minorities.

Recent studies have also shown that ethnic studies courses can improve academic performance. San Francisco State University has found that students who take ethnic studies courses have higher graduation rates. Outside of higher education, high schools in San Francisco have reported improved attendance and grades among students taking part in an ethnic studies program. While there is no definitive answer as to why this is, many have pointed out that ethnic studies classes can be empowering to minority students and give a better sense of belonging. These students may also feel more involved and engaged when their courses are more relevant to their own experiences. The same still applies in higher education, where minority students may still feel alienated.

Of course, the students at Harvard could opt to transfer to a school that does offer ethnic studies, but transferring does not solve the problem at Harvard and other schools that do not have ethnic studies departments. Every student should have access to ethnic studies programs, regardless of which school they choose to attend. Diversity is not only important in the student population, but also in these students' actual education and curriculum. Starting these programs requires student interest, and transferring would do nothing to help expand ethnic studies departments in schools that do not offer ethnic studies. Minority students should not have to transfer in order to learn about their own histories. Ethnic studies courses should be available to them, regardless of the school they attend.

In my own experience at Rutgers University, I have found that there are very few Asian American studies courses, and these courses are not always offered every semester, despite Asian Americans being the largest minority at Rutgers (the university is also now majority-minority). If these Asian American students, or even non-Asian students, wished to take more classes about their own experiences, why should they have to seek out another university to do so? Having a diverse range of ethnic studies courses can benefit all students and help students learn more about both themselves and those around them.

Ethnic studies is still a field that is severely lacking representation in higher education. Students at Harvard have demanded an ethnic studies department for decades, and there is and has been a strong need for ethnic studies programs in a country where racism has always been a prevalent part of its history. The United States is a racially diverse country, and higher education should reflect that diversity in its curriculum.

Report this Content
Featured

How Technology Has Changed Our Lives

While we are all very dependant on technology, we are losing touch with humanity.

2615
How Technology Has Changed Our Lives

If we look back on how our ancestors lived we can sense a totally different lifestyle. If they could come back and live with all our technological devices they surely would think they are in a completely new alien world. They lived such a simple life without our devices that it seems as if centuries have passed by. In reality most of the discoveries were accomplished in the past twenty years. Indeed we have assisted a total technological distortion. This change in our lives was characterized by a myriad of technological innovations, due to globalization.

Keep Reading...Show less
Sports

Why I Love Football

Why Is Football A Sport That Is So Celebrated Across The Nation?

5886
College quarterback drops back to make pass as football season begins
https://pixabay.com/en/quarterback-american-football-sport-67701/

It is the time of year when the athletic event of football tends to exhilarate fans across the Nation. Why is football a sport that is so celebrated across the Nation? Many times I have asked myself why I even love the game of football so much, especially being a female, but I came up with a few of the many reasons why football fans love the game. though this may not be everyone's reasons for loving the game, here are some reasons that I love football.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

Nostalgic Early 2000s Barbies: 34 Forgotten Treasures

For all the 90's babies and their obsession with Barbies.

30963
Barbies on a display case
LATimes

With Barbie mania overtaking society with the release of the new movie, here is some late 90's/early 2000's nostalgia for you in Barbie form.

It's sure to stir up old memories and unlock some good ones. And if you're feeling inspired by a particular toy but you don't remember where you put it, we've listed where you can find one today. You're welcome.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

Riots and Protests rock Paris and other French cities

Crazy European Summer

1311
Riots and Protests rock Paris and other French cities
A 17 year old boy of North African origin was shot and killed by French police during a traffic stop on Tuesday. The police claimed they "feared for their lives" when the boy started driving away from them and opened fire, killing him.
Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

When DEI goes haywire

Shocking Revelation: Doctors Resort to Ethnicity-Based Prioritization in Medical Care

1561
When DEI goes haywire
In a shocking move in New Zealand, surgeons must now consider ethnicity in prioritizing patients for operations.
Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments