Tucson district board backs cultural courses

Students work in a Latino Literature class which is part of the Mexican-American Studies program at Tucson High Magnet School. (Photo by Ryan Cook/RJ Cook Photography)

TUCSON — The Tucson Unified School District Governing Board is reversing itself by voting to drop an objection to providing so-called “culturally relevant” courses for core credit beginning next school year.

The courses would focus on experiences, culture and history of Mexican-Americans and African-Americans.

The governing board had objected to offering the courses as part of anti-desegregation plan.

However, the board reversed its position in a 3-2 vote Tuesday as two newly elected board members supported the change.

The district previously eliminated Mexican-American Studies courses after state officials ruled that the courses’ content violated a law against curriculum that engendered racial or ethnic disharmony.