"We Belong in History," by UT Master's in Policy Student, Alisha Tuff

Friends:

Happy to feature this blog by second-year Education Policy and Planning Master's student at the University of Texas named Alisha Tuff.

It was first published in the Children's Defense Fund-Texas Blog. She weighs in on the importance of not just teaching the truth of history, but also the need to incorporate the histories of diverse groups in Texas' state-aligned standards and social studies curriculum. 

Tuff mentions the August 1st meeting of the Texas State Board of Education that just happened. You can listen to all the testimony that was delivered that day here, beginning at 1:32:00 on the meter. The focus was on the importance of Native American Studies and Asian American Studies in the social studies curriculum. The importance of including these histories should even be a question, but alas, this is Texas.

Great essay, Tuff. We absolutely do belong in history. All of us and our ancestors who have given and sacrificed so much to this country deserve to have our stories, histories, languages, and cultures taught in K-12 schools as a matter of course. It's only fair. Plus, we all benefit from a broader, inclusive sense of "we."

-Dr. Angela Valenzuela

We Belong in History

By Alisha Tuff

Texas’ State Board of Education has been reviewing the social studies TEKS this year and its June 15th meeting made nationwide news. The controversy all started when Board Member Davis pointed out that a working group’s suggested usage of “involuntary relocation” to describe slavery is not just inaccurate but also offensive. As I watched the meeting I was both flabbergasted and appalled. I thought of the emotional trauma and damages this would cause many marginalized students. I also feared how minimizing slavery would further exacerbate oppression on Black people. Although the SBOE later confirmed that they have asked the work group to rewrite that passage, the suggested language is just one example of how people of color and other marginalized groups are constantly being written out of history by work groups, textbook authors, and the Texas State Board of Education standards. These standards have created barriers for all of us getting an honest education. It is time to stand up and demand an honest education that serves all Texas students. 

It is time to strengthen African American/ Black, Latino, Hispanic, Asian, Pacific Islander, Indigenous, women, and LGBTQ+ voices in the curriculum. This country was built on the backs of many of these people. It is time to honor all of our experiences. We are going to be the generation that changes things because we recognize that we are not the problem. The education system is the problem and we have the power to change it for the better. We will no longer be denied our flowers in life. We will not allow the whitewashing of our ancestors’ experiences to prevail. We have the power to influence education reform, and our collective voices will lead to the education we deserve. We are the protectors of our ancestors’ stories.  We belong in history, and we will no longer allow our existence and history to be tarnished. 

On August 1st the State Board of Education will be having a public hearing to hear feedback about the new social studies curriculum. I ask that you use your voice at the meeting or send an email to the State Board of Education demanding an honest social studies course in which every student sees themself represented in history and as a future leader of our state. Make sure to tell a friend or family member! There is power in numbers, and we can make change when we are united.