Ethnic studies target of critics, cuts – USATODAY.com

Ethnic studies target of critics, cuts – USATODAY.com: Ethnic studies programs were born out of university protests in the 1960s from students demanding a curriculum that moved beyond the Eurocentric tradition and included experiences of diverse people of color, gender and sexuality. In the past 40 years, universities nationwide have developed programs, including in African-American, Mexican-American, Asian-American and women's studies.

Though these programs have greatly contributed to the social justice missions of many colleges and public school systems, they are under siege from critics who have long been suspicious of their progressive practices as well as increasing targets for school budget cuts.

The most recent example of this is in Arizona. This month, the governing board of the Tucson Unified School District voted to end Mexican-American studies rather than lose more than $1 million a month in state public school funds.