California ordered every public high school to teach ethnic studies in the 2025–2026 school year—and put $0 behind it. Districts are left to “figure it out,” with some folding the required lessons into English or history units. Korean American coursework is already stalling as parents scramble to respond.
According to KASEF and the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Los Angeles, the state mandate under AB 101 requires at least one semester of ethnic studies. But the rollout is designated as “district autonomy,” meaning each district decides how — and whether — to implement the rule.
Education nonprofit EdSource reported on October 23rd that the requirement has “effectively stalled” because the state budget included no funding. Some campuses dropped standalone courses and instead added scattered units to other classes.
Ethnic studies covers the history, culture, and social contributions of minority groups, including Asian American, Black, Latino, and Native communities, with goals of building inclusion and understanding of social justice.
With weak implementation, lessons spotlighting Korean American immigration and Korea’s development are being delayed as well.
Dongjo Kim, president of KASEF, pointed to national political pressure around DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) policies under President Donald Trump. He said communities with high Korean American populations now must take the lead in demanding proper courses.
Critics argue that calling the rollout “autonomy” masks the state’s decision to dodge responsibility.
Some Southern California high schools — including those in the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) — have already begun offering ethnic studies on their own.
A standout model is the Anaheim Union High School District, where teacher Jeff Kim launched a Korean American ethnic studies class on August 9, 2023. The course is now offered at five high schools with more than 60 students enrolled.
Education leaders involved in curriculum development are urging Korean American families to file petitions. Grace Cho, professor of education at California State University, Fullerton, stressed that ethnic studies — including Korean American history — benefits all students. She said districts must present alternatives when 20 or more parents submit a petition: “Through these textbooks, we can show that we are all citizens and members of this society.”
To support schools and parents, KASEF and the Korean government are offering free Korean American ethnic studies materials at www.kasef.org and kasonline.net.
BY HYOUNGJAE KIM [kim.ian@koreadaily.com]
