Dear Friends and Allies
We have an important development on integrating Ethnic Studies into Minnesota’s K-12 Social Studies education - and to ask that you take a few minutes to express your support for Ethnic Studies in Minnesota.
Previously, we shared news about the newly released proposed K-12 Social Studies Standards, which include Ethnic Studies for the first time in our state’s history. These new Ethnic Studies standards invite students to explore how identity shapes individual and collective experiences, to delve into how different cultures cultivate and understand knowledge, and to learn about the struggles for justice, freedom, and liberation in our state and country.
But before these new standards can become final, they must be reviewed and approved by a judge as part of a rulemaking process. As part of that process, members of the public are invited to submit written public comments on the new standards between now and 4:30pm on October 25. It is important at this moment that many voices are heard in support of Ethnic Studies.
Please submit a written comment into the rulemaking process in support of the Ethnic Studies standards before the Oct 25 deadline. The “how to” steps below includes all of the instructions for how to submit your comment. Sample comments are also provided. Submitting a comment takes only 5-10 minutes and offers invaluable support at this critical moment.
And then - please stay tuned. There will likely be two virtual public hearings on the social studies standards - an important moment to also speak in support of Ethnic Studies. We expect these to take place November 8 from 6-8 pm and November 9 from 1-4:15pm. Please hold the date/time that works for you. We will be back in touch if/when these are confirmed with more details on how to join these hearings to speak in support of Ethnic Studies.
By making our voices heard, we can impact and transform the educational experiences of an entire generation of Minnesota students. Please join us at this important moment to support Ethnic Studies for all Minnesota students!
With gratitude,
The Minnesota Ethnic Studies Coalition
How to Submit a Comment into Rulemaking in Support of Ethnic Studies (Oct 25 deadline)
Step One
Go to this link: https://minnesotaoah.granicusideas.com/discussions/37919-minnesota-department-of-education-dual-notice-of-intent-to-adopt-rules
Step Two
Go to the upper right hand corner of the screen and click on “sign up” (if you’ve submitted comments before, you can just “sign in” instead.)
Step Three
Fill out the sign-up form with the required information (name, email, password)
Step Four
You will receive a “Welcome” email into the email account you submitted. Follow the instructions in that email to confirm your information.
Step Five
Return to the public comment page (Here is that link again) and this time, sign in.
Scroll ALL THE WAY DOWN to the bottom of all the comments to find where to submit your comment.
Step Six
Draft and post your comment! Feel free to use the template comments below if useful. Again, comments must be submitted by October 25.
Template Comments
I am writing to express my strong support for the Ethnic Studies standards (Subp. 6) within the proposed permanent rules related to K-12 academic standards in social studies.
Optional: insert a personal story/anecdote about why you think social studies should include Ethnic Studies from your perspective as an educator/community member/teacher/student.
Minnesota students deserve an education in which they can learn about the histories of all communities, and understand our collective history from a variety of different perspectives. Ethnic Studies provides students with these tools and knowledge, which will equip them to lead in our increasingly diverse state and our country. Ethnic Studies also ensures that students of color see themselves, their families and their communities reflected in their curriculum, which is proven to contribute to positive student outcomes.
Social studies education would be incomplete without Ethnic Studies. I strongly support the Ethnic Studies standards (Subp. 6) within the proposed permanent rules related to K-12 academic standards in social studies.