By Jisele Garcia, Staff Writer
In TC, we must realize how exclusionary TCHS curricula are with marginalized groups like BIPOC and LGBTQ+ individuals. During this new era where the demand for change is prevalent, we must start to create a difference in our community.
TCUSD must direct its attention to fixing the outdated curricula. The lack of inclusive education breeds ignorance and harmful beliefs from students of privilege. It makes the BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities feel unimportant and overlooked.
In history class, teaching about people of color is a somewhat likely occurrence. However, most American history demonizes BIPOC or they completely leave out key parts of history.
History isn’t taught in ninth grade at TCHS, but what I’ve noticed from past courses was that white historical figures were praised for being colonists. I’ve never learned about the mass genocide of Indigenous people, Native Americans and Hawaiians colonists executed. Instead, I learned that it was the Indigenous people who instigated violence and were responsible for their deaths.
Within the health department, LGBTQ+ related topics and sexual health are ignored to avoid feelings of discomfort and/or disturbance from teachers and parents. LGBTQ+ students have been taught the heteronormative education their entire academic career, so wouldn’t that make them uncomfortable? Diminishing their existence prevents them from understanding their gender identity, sexuality and how to practice safe sex.
I took the summer health class and quickly realized it was not up to standard. No LGBTQ+ issues were discussed, which violates the California Healthy Youth Act (CHYA) by not providing people of all genders and sexual orientation unbiased medical information.
TCUSD can overcome systemic injustices in the educational system and ensure all students see themselves represented.
History could teach about BIPOC history according to their months, but not secluded to them. Teach ugly history, like the brutal parts of slavery and racism the Black community endured. At the same time, teach the pleasant parts, like historical figures of color who made a positive impact on American history.
Teach about men and women like Yuri Kochiyama who was a civil rights activist. As well as American activists like Cesar Chaves and Angela Davis. Include the brutal parts of history like how gynecology was first practiced on non-consenting, enslaved Black women.
The health department needs to adopt an up-to-date LGBTQ+ inclusive curriculum by integrating sexual orientation, gender identity and debunking common medical myths and stereotypes about the queer community into common learning practices. Health class should serve as a safe space where all topics given are taught positively.
After a meeting with health teacher Mr. Takeshita, he said he was uncomfortable with teaching LGBTQ+ inclusive health due to unfamiliarity on the subject. As our staff is capable of practicing what it teaches, their job as educators is to not model ignorance.
People may challenge this call for change by saying people of color already have enough representation, but it’s not a white individual’s place to say whether or not BIPOC get enough representation when they’re the main race represented in education.
TCUSD’s website states that their schools are working for equity and inclusion, but have yet to take necessary steps to create a more BIPOC and LGBTQ+ inclusive curricula. Marginalized groups deserve to go to a school knowing that they are equally respected as a part of our country’s narrative.