Ethnic studies and social justice requirement passed

CSUB provides statement on CSU Board of Trustees new requirement approval

By California State University, Bakersfield

July 27^th, 2020

As you know, the CSU Board of Trustees approved the adoption of ethnic studies and social justice courses for the CSU’s nearly half million students earlier this week. President Zelezny and Provost Harper have issued the following statement in response:

California State University, Bakersfield President Lynnette Zelezny praised the CSU Board of Trustees for its historic vote earlier this week to approve an ethnic studies and social justice General Education requirement. This marks the first significant change to the CSU’s GE requirements in 40 years.

“I am so proud that the CSU system is such a champion of diversity and social justice and has risen to meet this moment,” President Zelezny said. “As the largest public higher education system in the nation, the CSU continues to lead the way in transforming the lives of our students and helping them become leaders in our communities.”

The one-course requirement will be implemented in the 2023-24 school year to allow time for faculty on 23 campuses to develop plans and coursework that best meet the unique needs of their students and communities. Grounded in the traditional Ethnic Studies discipline, comprised of African American, Asian American, Latinx and Native American studies, the requirement can be fulfilled through a broad spectrum of course offerings that address historical, current and emerging ethnic studies and social justice issues.

President Zelezny and Dr. Vernon Harper, CSUB Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, said the Board of Trustee’s action is consistent with CSU Bakersfield’s ongoing commitment to inclusion and equity. CSUB’s efforts include, but are not limited to, the planned creation of an Ethnic Studies Department and initiatives to improve retention and provide opportunities for students of color, particularly Black males, who are at particular risk for leaving before their degrees are completed.

“As a Black educator, the issue of inclusion and equity is a personal one for me, and for our university,” Dr. Harper said. “CSUB President Emeritus Horace Mitchell helped lead the CSU’s initial efforts in exploring the adoption of an ethnic studies requirement. Dr. Mitchell carried with him the hopes of all CSUB faculty and staff that one day the contributions of all Californians would be studied. My colleagues and I are incredibly moved that that day has arrived.

“CSUB strives to be a beacon to all members of our community, and our student population reflects the diversity of our region,” Dr. Harper said. “But we recognize that the nation is embracing a moment in the history of social justice and racial equity, and we are part of that. Our students want all voices to be heard, and we couldn’t agree more.”