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California makes ethnic studies a high school requirement

Students graduating in 2029-30 will have to complete a one-semester course.

Credit: AP

FILE - In this Aug. 18, 2020, file photo, math teacher Doug Walters sits among empty desks as he takes part in a video conference with other teachers to prepare for at-home learning at Twentynine Palms Junior High School in Twentynine Palms, Calif. California Gov. Gavin Newsom's frustration with teacher unions is boiling over as he attempts to get the state's schoolchildren back in classrooms. He says they are seeking a perfect solution for in-school instruction during the pandemic and is letting that get in the way of finding a workable plan to help the many kids struggling with distance learning. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull, File)

SAN FRANCISCO — California high school students will have to take a course in ethnic studies to get a diploma starting in the 2029-30 school year.

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill Friday that makes California among the first in the nation to list ethnic studies as a graduation requirement for all public high school students. Assemblyman Jose Medina authored the legislation and says schools are ready to offer courses that are more reflective of social justice.

The new law requires all public schools in the state to offer at least one ethnic studies course starting in the 2025-26 school year. Students graduating in 2029-30 will have to complete a one-semester course.

Read the full AP story here.

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