Washington’s Next Fight for Justice Starts in the Classroom
NAACP - AOWSACIn Washington State, the next battle for racial justice is not only being fought in the streets or the courtrooms. It is happening right now in classrooms where the future is being shaped lesson by lesson.
After years of community pushback and student led activism, several school districts across the state are finally implementing ethnic studies curriculum at the K through 12 level. This shift did not come easy. Young people of color, especially Black and Indigenous students, have been demanding honest education that reflects their histories, identities, and truths. They are tired of watered down versions of the civil rights movement and tired of being erased from textbooks. And they are right.
The new ethnic studies programs go beyond just adding a unit on slavery or a quick mention of Japanese internment. They dig into how systems of power and privilege shape society today, how colonialism and racism are alive and well, and how students can become changemakers in their communities. These lessons are rooted in real life, not just history. They are about today’s housing crises, over policing, environmental justice, and more.
This push for inclusive, justice centered education is a direct answer to national attacks on critical race theory and book bans. While some states are silencing conversations about race, Washington’s students and teachers are leaning into them, refusing to let truth be silenced. That is how real justice starts—when we stop lying to our kids and start telling them the full story.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ethnic studies in K through 12 education?
Ethnic studies explores the history, culture, and contributions of people of color, with a focus on how race, power, and identity shape American life.
Which school districts in Washington are offering ethnic studies?
Several districts, including Seattle, Tacoma, and Olympia, have begun integrating ethnic studies into their K through 12 curriculum following student advocacy.
Why are students asking for ethnic studies?
Students want education that reflects their lived experiences and provides a fuller, more truthful understanding of American history and society.
How is this different from traditional history classes?
Ethnic studies includes current social issues like housing, policing, and environmental justice, not just historical facts or isolated events.
Is ethnic studies the same as critical race theory?
No. Ethnic studies is an age appropriate curriculum rooted in history and social studies, while critical race theory is an academic framework taught in graduate-level settings.
Resources:
