Program Definition

Ethnic Studies is the intersectional examination of historic and contemporary narratives, contributions, struggles, and resistance by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, as well as other marginalized communities*. The Ethnic Studies program is composed of historical and sociological content that analyzes how colonialism, race, and racism have been, and continue to be powerful social, cultural, and political forces. 

Ethnic Studies analyzes the intersectionality of identity, including race, ethnicity, gender, class, sexuality, and belief systems, amongst others.  As a community-focused program, we highlight the local narratives and history of Stockton and make connections with national and global events. Ethnic Studies empowers students to become ethical, effective, and empathetic social justice artist-activist-scholars and leaders who speak truth to power. 

Statement of Purpose

The purpose of the Stockton Unified School District Ethnic Studies program is to empower students by exploring the rich, intersectional, and interconnected histories, cultures, and identities of Black, Indigenous, People of Color* and historically marginalized communities. Through culturally relevant, decolonizing, and community responsive practices, students develop the skills to critically analyze racism and other forms of oppression to work in solidarity across and with communities to create a more socially just and equitable world. With love, respect, reflection, hope, solidarity, critical consciousness, community, interconnection, wellness, healing, and transformation; Ethnic Studies students become the necessary scholars, leaders, and agents of change our community and world needs and deserves.

*We recognize that as our community and cultures grow and change these terms and overall definition may change as well.

Ethnic Studies Community Collaborative (ESCC)

The purpose of the Stockton Unified School District (SUSD) Ethnic Studies Community Collaborative (ESCC) is to provide an official space for the SUSD community (students, teachers, staff, families, and community members) to collaborate on the SUSD Ethnic Studies curriculum and programmatic activities to increase student’s knowledge of their racial, ethnic, and ancestral history and heritage while exploring current issues in their community and inspiring actions to to help remedy them.  Inspired by the student and community-led protest that birthed the College of Ethnic Studies in 1969 at San Francisco State University, the ESCC allows the community to be in direct partnership with SUSD so that the Ethnic Studies program may be reflective of the needs and wants of the community it serves. 

Read more about the ESCC and it's bylaws

Complete an interest form to join the ESCC

If you are interested in submitting curriculum ideas for the high school Ethnic Studies curriculum adoption but cannot or are not interested in joining the formal collaborative, you can submit ideas by clicking here.