EXCLUSIVE: Resource asks California middle schoolers whether they are 'privileged' or 'oppressed'

FRESNO, Calif. (CITC) — A resource in a California school district asks middle schoolers to analyze whether they are "privileged" or "oppressed," sparking outrage with a parents' rights group.

The Fresno Unified School District offers an "Introduction to Ethnic Studies" course for seventh and eighth-graders, according to documents obtained by advocacy group Parents Defending Education (PDE) and shared exclusively with Crisis in the Classroom (CITC). The course is designed to "introduce students to the importance of race, racism, culture and ethnicity," while also highlighting "systems of oppression and privilege."

It is not immediately clear if the course is required for all seventh and eighth-graders.

One unit of the Fresno Unified course includes an optional resource asking students to consider their "multiple identities and their relationships to power," according to the documents. The resource lists a range of identities, including "race," "assigned sex" and "political party."

"Highlight, shade or circle the group(s) that signify your own identity (whether you are privileged or oppressed) in that element of identity," the resource reads. Students are then asked to "take it further" by indicating any additional items they feel apply to them, such as any "forms of resistance" they participate in.

A separate unit in the course asks Fresno Unified teachers to explain how "communities of color are disproportionately affected by community issues ... due to RACISM."

"This is not a discussion, it is a fact," a corresponding sample lesson plan states, according to the documents.

Alex Nester, an investigate fellow for PDE, argues the recent trend of young students lacking "a functional grasp on history" is "only exacerbated when kids are exposed to these types of lessons at school."

READ MORE | Calif. parents slam 'divisive' ethnic studies curriculum: 'Riddled with critical race principles'

“It is disgusting to teach children to categorize themselves and others as 'oppressors' or 'oppressed' based on their race or ethnicity, period," Nester told CITC. "Fresno's ethnic studies lesson encourages kids to judge themselves and others by immutable characteristics and not character."

Dr. Marie Williams, an instructional superintendent of curriculum and instructional services for Fresno Unified, told CITC the district's ethnic studies program is aligned with state standards.

"Enrollment in Ethnic Studies coursework develops a positive sense of identity, increases academic motivation and social emotional wellness, promotes youth civic engagement, increases critical thinking, problem solving and interpersonal communication skills, and results in increased attendance, grade point average, graduation and college enrollment rates," Williams told CITC.

In 2021, California Gov. Gavin Newsom directed school districts to mandate ethnic studies courses for high school graduation no later than the 2025-26 academic year. Some school districts have elected to begin the requirement early, with their individual approaches stirring debate.

READ MORE | California's 'social justice' math shows 'misplaced priorities' amid low proficiency, advocate says

The Mountain View-Los Altos Unified High School District asks students to create Instagram posts expressing support for social movements from a predetermined list. The list of nine movements students have to choose from include Black Lives Matter, the "LGBTQ+ Movement," "Immigrant Rights" and "Environmental Justice."

California parents have repeatedly questioned the use of ethnic studies courses, raising concerns that they are veiled extensions of critical race theory. Newsom argues such courses "boost student achievement over the long run -- especially among students of color."

Have something for the Crisis in the Classroom team to investigate? Call or text the national tip line at 202-417-7273.