Rating:

0.0 (0 votes)

TUCSON - The Tucson Unified School District is allowing students to enroll in ethnic studies classes, since the law banning ‘ethnic solidarity' doesn't go into effect until January.

Upset by the law's delay Superintendent of Arizona schools Dr. Tom Horne wants video surveillance of lesson plans.

"We're making that recommendation now, because the semester is starting soon," says Horne.

Horne says La Raza classes intimidate and divide students based on race.

TUSD board member Miguel Cuevas disagrees, "We've already invited Mr. Horne numerous times, and you all know he hasn't visited these classes and he continues to provide excuses that are not acceptable."

Cuevas says the courses promote positive values and heritage. He calls Horne's big brother request politically motivated since Horne is running for Attorney General, and his assistant Margaret Dugan is running for State Superintendent.

Horne contends it's not political, maintaining his presence in a classroom would influence what is taught. Videotapes he says could capture a true picture.

"From what we've been told about these teachers, expecting them to go an entire semester and keep the course innocuous would be like putting M&M's in front of a child and asking them not to eat any for the whole semester," says Horne.

If nothing to hide, why not comply?

Cuevas says, "Well because it's a conservative value of local control that is something we all believe in and have to uphold."

TUSD's Superintendent will have the final say whether to allow videotapes.
News 4's calls for comment have not been returned.

Meantime Dr. Horne says if TUSD doesn't comply with the law it could have 10 percent of its entire budget withheld effective January.