The short answer is not yet — and possibly not soon.
In 2021, California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 101, which added the completion of a one-semester course in ethnic studies as a public high school graduation requirement beginning with the class of 2030.
The law also required that by the 2025–26 school year, all public high schools — including charter schools — offer at least one ethnic studies course. As written, it allowed flexibility in how ethnic studies could be delivered — including through standalone courses or integrated models that meet A–G college entrance requirements.
But both provisions were contingent on state funding, and no funding was included in the state’s final 2025–26 budget. That means the ethnic studies graduation requirement and the mandate for schools to offer the course are currently not in effect.
There remains a remote possibility that the Legislature could act before the end of its current session in mid-September. But so far, no legislative fix has emerged.
What is ethnic studies?
Ethnic studies is the interdisciplinary study of race, ethnicity and Indigeneity, with an emphasis on the experiences and contributions of people of color in the United States. Courses often focus on how historically marginalized communities have helped shape society through their work in government, politics, the arts, medicine, business and more.
Supporters of ethnic studies say these courses foster engagement and belonging by helping students see themselves — and others — as part of the American story.
Critics argue that ethnic studies can be divisive, claiming that some course may deepen racial tensions — particularly by categorizing some Americans as oppressors and others as oppressed. Others contend that ethnic studies is synonymous with critical race theory — an academic framework that, until somewhat recently, was primarily used to examine how race intersects with U.S. laws and institutions.
What is the Ethnic Studies Model Curriculum?
In March 2021, following years of development and over 100,000 public comments, the State Board of Education adopted a 900-page Ethnic Studies Model Curriculum designed to guide local course development. The model curriculum is not mandatory, and districts are not required to teach specific concepts — including critical race theory.
Instead, the state’s model offers a menu of ideas and sample lessons focused on the contributions and challenges of Native American, African American, Latino and Asian American communities, among others.
What does this mean for schools right now?
Despite the lack of funding, many districts have already begun preparing ethnic studies coursework. Some have trained staff or adopted courses as local graduation requirements. Others are still in the early stages of planning.
“We understand this creates uncertainty, particularly as districts work to align local plans with evolving guidance and limited resources,” said Orange County Superintendent Dr. Stefan Bean. “While we wish we had more definitive answers at this time, we will continue to monitor developments closely and share updates as they become available.”
Dr. Bean encouraged local education leaders to continue making decisions that reflect the needs and priorities of their students and communities.
What’s next?
Unless state lawmakers act by mid-September of 2025, California’s ethnic studies graduation and course-offering mandates will remain on hold. In the meantime, school districts retain the ability to adopt ethnic studies courses and graduation requirements at the local level.
If you have questions about ethnic studies at your school or district, contact your school principal or district office, or visit their website for more information.
