Protecting Ethnic Studies: PPS-SF Counters False Narratives

SAN FRANCISCO, CA –Parents for Public Schools of San Francisco (PPS-SF) is issuing a statement to address misinformation surrounding the San Francisco Unified School District's (SFUSD) ethnic studies program and a planned webinar hosted by the Friends of Lowell Foundation (FOLF) on Sunday, August 17th.

PPS-SF has learned that the invitation to this webinar contains misinformation and seeks to clarify the context for parents and the public.

“We are deeply concerned about the misleading narratives being spread about ethnic studies, and the attempt to undermine a critical educational initiative that benefits all students,” said Dr. Vanessa Marrero at Parents for Public Schools of San Francisco

Key Points Parents and the Public Should Know:

This is about Politics, Not Process: While critics cite procedural issues (“vetting”), the opposition is fundamentally against teaching ethnic studies at all. They seek to promote a conservative worldview that downplays systemic racism and promotes a narrative of American exceptionalism and equal opportunity for all.

Ethnic Studies is Mandated by State Law: The webinar invitation falsely implies SFUSD's ethnic studies program is the sole creation of recalled former Board of Education members. In reality, a California state law passed in 2021 requires ethnic studies in all high schools. While the law has not been funded, the curriculum is still required. SFUSD Ethnic Study Plan here: https://www.sfusd.edu/departments/curriculum-instruction/2025-2026-ethnic-studies-plan

Focus on Select Voices Over Others: The invitation claims the ethnic studies curriculum is "hurtful" to "Jewish and Asian students," neglecting the experiences and perspectives of Black, Latino, Arab, and Muslim students and families. This highlights a concerning bias in the narrative.

Ethnic Studies Improves Academic Outcomes: Contrary to claims of being a distraction, studies from Stanford University have shown that SFUSD students who take ethnic studies have better grades, attendance, and credit accumulation towards graduation.

Ethnic Studies is Rooted in San Francisco History: San Francisco has a historic legacy in ethnic studies. SF State students fought for ethnic studies in 1968 to demand the truthful teaching of their history. Conservative groups seek to erase this legacy.

PPS-SF urges parents and community members to be aware of the misinformation being spread and to support ethnic studies programs that provide a more comprehensive and accurate understanding of our nation's history and promote equity for all students.