Mexican American Studies

MAS, or Mexican American Studies, is a curriculum in Tucson Unified School District, Arizona that is directed for Latino Americans in helping them achieve a higher education. The statistics show that 97% of students graduate from high school (compared to 44% nationally) and 70% enter college (24% nationally). The school board in Tucson, “...presents material from perspectives and experiences of Chicanos as well as from other ethnic and cultural groups,” leaving kids inspired about their own heritage and culture, as well as other cultures. This curriculum was shut down because of unclear issues. “Acosta and other teachers tried over the years to meet with school board member and the state superintendent of public instruction to find out what precisely in the curriculum was objectionable,” Acosta goes on to say that no one ever came to them and said, “I’m uncomfortable with this lesson you are teaching.” He then says that Mr. Horne has no clue what they’re teaching. A few books that teachers had their students read were even banned for false reasons, “Let Their Spirits Dance, by Duarte, officials said there was a questionable sex scene in the book,” but then Sotelo goes on to say there is no such scene, and then asked the officials if they had ever read the book, “they said no.” The only way the program could be threatening to some people (in my opinion), is if they are uncomfortable with learning about Mexican culture and their take on our country.