Historians and educators are speaking out against an impending threat to history and civics education requirements within the curriculum of the California State University (CSU) system. This change would reach beyond the 500,000 students of the CSU, to affect over 2 million students in California Community Colleges and 6 million K-12 students whose curricula follow the lead of higher education.  We are specifically asking those within the history community in California to contact their elected officials in opposition to the proposed changes. We also urge national organizations to send this alert to their state contacts and colleagues within California. To see the legislative alert on the issue click here.

The California State University (CSU), the nation’s largest university, has proposed to eliminate the system’s founding commitment to the “comprehensive study of American history and American government” as the basis for its long-standing “American Institutions” requirement. This program of study has bolstered California’s diverse democracy for 60 years, providing millions of Californians with tools necessary “to contribute to …society as responsible and constructive citizens.”  We’re asking your help in maintaining this essential part of the CSU curriculum.

Under a plan released this month by a CSU General Education Task Force, the system would cut civic education in half, and no CSU student would be required to study the history of American institutions and ideals, including the US Constitution and representative government, or the development of local and state government. This change would reach beyond the 500,000 students of the CSU, to affect over 2 million students in California Community Colleges and 6 million K-12 students whose curricula follow the lead of higher education.