I have cut and pasted another letter from Curtis Acosta. I think it's addressed directly to me because I signed the No History Is Illegal Pledge. I want to share it with you for a few reasons:
- Mr. Acosta includes a student perspective, Nico Dominguez, a student leader from Tucson High School
- Mr. Acosta includes a few informative links that we can continue to use in our Media Studies class
- He also included a "spoiler" about a TV appearance and an update about a national event that will be happening on May 17th
After you read this email, write a first reaction in the comment section of our blog. You can comment directly on something that learned from the message or you can ask a question about something you want to learn more about. Then, we can use the rest of our class time today to finish our projects from last week and begin to figure out/plan/draft letters and messages to the students, teachers and educational community in Tucson; so they know that NEW HAVEN, CT supports their cause. #preciousknowledge #nohistoryisillegal #newhavensupportstucson
Dear Leslie,
Dear Leslie,
From all of the students and teachers of Mexican American Studies and Save Ethnic Studies in Tucson, Arizona, we are humbled and moved by Teacher Activist Groups, the Education for Liberation Network, and each one of you that participated in No History Is Illegal. It is difficult to fully express how important your words, actions, and hard work have been to us. As I sit in my classroom each day I am faced with an overwhelming feeling of loss. Regardless of the resiliency of our students and my own resolve not to let the dismantling of our curriculum, classes and pedagogy alter my own commitment to serving the youth of my community, it is impossible not to be affected. That is why all your testimonies and actions have been so important. Each time we have a fleeting moment of defeat, we are able to be embraced by your words and stories from the No History Is Illegal campaign. Stories from Rhode Island, Colorado, Minnesota, California, and Oregon amongst many others have brought smiles, pride, and even tears of joy to my students and fellow colleagues.
When I asked my students to contribute to this email, one of our student leaders, Nico Dominguez, wanted to express his appreciation and his words follow:
After all that has happened in regards to the loss of Mexican American Studies, there are many moments in time that are able to lift my spirits back up. I will definitely say that seeing/experiencing out of Tucson support for our movement (classes) is a great way of lifting up my spirit. I remember the first time I experienced out of Tucson support for our classes. Seeing different people speak and perform passionately about our classes was a great experience the day of the teach-in at the Casino Ballroom on January 24th. I had not experienced any of that previous to the teach-in. It was definitely an experience that I will carry with myself from here on.
Since that day, there has been a massive amount of support which is overwhelming. Students from all over the country have done something for M.A.S., including Oakland, Chicago, Northridge, New York, and on. All of these experiences I take to my heart. The feelings that I get when I remember all of these people who have in some way involved us into their lives is overwhelming and just a true sign of the humanity that exists. As these experiences continue, I am reminded of the vastness of the world that I live in and that I must learn to live in harmony with it.
—Nicolas Dominguez
Since that day, there has been a massive amount of support which is overwhelming. Students from all over the country have done something for M.A.S., including Oakland, Chicago, Northridge, New York, and on. All of these experiences I take to my heart. The feelings that I get when I remember all of these people who have in some way involved us into their lives is overwhelming and just a true sign of the humanity that exists. As these experiences continue, I am reminded of the vastness of the world that I live in and that I must learn to live in harmony with it.
—Nicolas Dominguez
Nico's words help me stay strong and remind me why we continue to fight for our students' rights to study their own history, literature and culture, and we will never give up!
In that spirit, I would ask you all to send more love our way as our lawsuit moves forward to repeal this hateful law. There are big court dates ahead and you can stay apprised of the latest news through http://saveethnicstudies.org/
Next week the Librotraficante Caravan will depart from Houston for Tucson with "Banned Books" to be distributed in San Antonio, Albuquerque and Tucson. Chican@ writers and supporters will be hosting workshops, performances, and readings. Please checkout their website http://cts.vresp.com/c/?EducationforLiberati/9d5862dd32/22c385b036/9f144cd712 for more details.
In the next few weeks I will have a major announcement about a television appearance about our issue, but I'm still sworn to secrecy. Stay tuned for that one.
Lastly, a 50-minute version of Precious Knowledge will be shown on the national PBS show Independent Lens on May 17th. We are hoping to coordinate a national event for that night so I will write more as those details become clearer.
http://www.pbs.org/
Again, thank you to everyone, and we are hopeful of better news and better days ahead. You all have helped our optimism and belief that justice will prevail.
In Lak Ech,
Curtis Acosta
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI can totally understand Mr. Acosta's feeling of loss. His class is not at its peak, it's not what he wants it to be! He's missing something, and it's been ripped away. You could tell Ethnic Studies was a huge part of him and it was deep in his heart that he was passionate about it. So to have all this knowledge and desire to teach what you are passionate about; and then not be allowed to teach it - must be such a horrible feeling! And besides just the personal feelings and emotion, I think the change is what is deeply affecting this class. Change is often times not easy, and especially when it's unwanted. I really admire the whole Ethnic Studies class's unwavering determination and persistent dedication. No matter what these people are fighting for, it's about them standing up for what they believe is right; and they are serving as an example to never give up in life. And for their inspirational example (and also I support their class), I really support what they are doing.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteHow big this is going to get?
ReplyDeletewhen will this stop?
Well i feel what Mr. Acosta is feeling. Their government has a hatred towards Mexican-American. Our nation wasn't brought up that way. Our nationa is a "Melting Pot" and now they are transforming it into a a pot full of hate towards one another. Nico's statement is something I can connect to. In Media Studies I do sometimes feel that I can express my thoughts and others won't criticize what I say. When you come to like a class the government wants to ban it and that is unusual of are government to do so. I thought that they should respect our rights, but it seems that they, the government, is going to start another revolution. We are one and without all of us what will we be.
ReplyDeleteIn Lak Ech,
G.Barros
#preciousknowledge #nohistoryisillegal #newhavensupportstucson
First I think it's great that so many people are standing up and helping the students in Arizona. It shows that no matter where you are, people you don't even know are willing to help if they notice you are fighting against something that is unfair. When it goes to fighting the people in charge, you can't do it alone, the more people you have, the stronger your packt, the better chances you have to accomplish your goals.
ReplyDeleteWhen Mr. Acosta said that when he sits in his classroom he feels a great sense of being lost, my heart kind of felt for him. That's a horrible thing to feel. But then he said hearing from the people who support them, and it lifts his spirit up is amazing as well. People he doesn't even know are reaching out toward him, and his students and it helps them ever so much. Even Nico, the student in Tuscon said the same thing.
I get a sense that there is a little part of Mr. Acosta that fears that the support he is currently getting might start fleeting away. But instead of directly stating that he just asks that people send him more love during the upcoming events, because as time goes on, the fight to prevail is going to get harder and harder to win.
The website that was put up for the Ethnic Studies ban, is a website that shows a lot of information and it even keeps you updated on what's going to happen, and what has happened.
I want to know more about the television appearance, and I wish he could tell us more about it. I'll have to keep my eyes open for when that presents itself.
I also like the idea of the Precious Knowledge moving being aired on PBS, and I'll have to let some people know that it's going to happen. And make sure they watch it, so they can learn about what's going on. The more people we get to watch it, maybe more people will support them.
I like Mr.Acosta message, it was pretty good about saving ethnic studies!! I mean "NO HISTORY IS ILLEGAL" People should express their feelings & thoughts about it! "what do you think?" Ethnic studies is a historic & valuable program. I ask myself "why they banning ethnic studies? why?"
ReplyDeleteAlso I research about "No History Is Illegal" http://www.saveourschoolsmarch.org/2012/02/01/no-history-is-illegal-supporting-teacher-activism-in-arizona/ This teacher named Nancy Flanagan also have a strong opinion about this topic, I really like her response ; she said " Dr. King warned us, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” What is happening in Arizona is not only a threat to Mexican American Studies, it is a threat to our right to teach the experiences of all people of color, LGBT people, poor and working people, the undocumented, people with disabilities and all those who are least powerful in this country."
Everyone should be treated equally,nobodys perfect. Why rascim? we all humans ; Everyone should tell their own opinions & their actions about "No History Is Illegal" Tell your story!
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading Mr.Acosta's letter you can tell how much of a humble person he really is . Even though he has reasons to just give up on the fight to bring back the ethnic studies classes he chooses to move foward and not give up . He has extreme dedication to the issue and no matter what he still appreciates the lessons this expirience has brought him. This also shows how strong not just our class but many people across the country believe and how hatefull and unfair this law is. The fact that by us just showing our support and the way we feel about the issue and how they do have the right to learn about thier culture can give them motivation and the persistance they need to thrive.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading this email I have learned and can more understand what is going on and what the problem is. The government is taking a part of these people's lives and hiding information about there own culture. Things that you would want to know if you were in there feet.
ReplyDeleteI am not for or against the situation. For me there is a certain point where current event becomes not so current. For me this all seems so jaded, this has been going on for years now, and if I didn’t care then why would I now. I say that with the upmost respect toward the situation, I understand it is a struggle and you guys are fighting for what’s right. Maybe it’s that this situation hasn’t become a major issue. Just like the OWS it came and went but it still goes on. There is just a different level of urgency among us. I wish Curtis luck and all the students too.
ReplyDeletei am reminded of the vastness of the world that I live in and that I must learn to live in harmony with it. thats well put, i beleive this is very true its comes off that this world is full with such differences that are so undefinable its really difficult to try to change ones mind. to each's own, learn to agree with it dont always go aganist but try to stay netural i love that his words are humble they have an strong pride and tone to it. its realisitc, i think this is what this ban needs some realistic stand points! the biggest realistic stand point is this is history and it simpley cant be hidden forever! i strongly dislike whats going on i would hope they prevail but its that question will they? the determaniton is amazing they shouldnt never give up never lose faith in the path they've chosen to walk yet I do beleive there will be vast postive outcomes; i hope nothing but that. this is an touching situation you wouldnt think that one thing a student would be deprived of was there history and liberartion to education. then we begin to question what type of world do we live in? but as he nicolous stated he's learned to find great harmony in it. aftet all this world is much prettier with peace, love and harmony, then war, discrimination, and hatred. you can hate it or love it, if you cant beat them join them although this situation lies way beyond picking sides its just there can be some compromise to this situation to defer the idea of the ban is just sickning on so many levels. the drop out rate has descreased vastly does that stand for nothing? the graduation rate has increased yet they focus on the possible discrimantion they'll have towards one race. the goverments stand points are meager and unlegit. I question whats really bother them? why does it seem like this is more an bullying case. the goverment continues to pick on an harmless situation, lets stop this. #newhavensupporttuscon!
ReplyDelete- Evanisha Kidd <3 , my care is sent.
I am glad that the support we have been given to the students and Mr. Acosta is being apperciated and recognized. They may not know what we look like or if we are even real but they are beyond the definition of humble and apperciated it without any question of a doubt.
ReplyDeleteThey are determined to be served their civil right and will not stop until it is given to them, and I do not blame them at all. We are all made up of different cultures and religion and deserve the right to be treated with respect. We should recognize all people as being human but not for their social status, wealth, cabibilities or anything like that.
No one is perfect and we all should be treated equally. Every since I could remember I have been taught to treat others the way you want to be treat, "you do unto others what you want others to do unto you".
To all the stuents in Tucson; Remember You Are Special!!!!!! :]