Save Filipinx American US History in Seattle!
Seattle Public Schools
For 50 years, the Filipino American community of Seattle has been tirelessly advocating for the inclusion of our history in Seattle public schools. With the hard work of our community board, composed of organizations and individuals including Filipino American National Historical Society, Filipino American Educators of Washington, AAS 360 Filipino American History graduate and undergraduate students , we have successfully created a Filipinx American History Class, approved by the Seattle School Board as an online course available to all 11th grade students in SPS, fulfilling the US history graduation credit. This was a significant victory towards achieving the recognition of our history in schools.
However, after only one year of implementation, SPS is now faced with a staggering $131 million deficit, leading to budget cuts across various programs, including the $11 Million in School Based Reductionsand possible halt of the class, alongside other online liberatory studies classes such as Black Studies, Native American Literature Composition, LGBTQ+ Literature Composition, Women of Color Literature, Kiswahili, Asian American Literature Composition, and Somali Heritage Language. Cuts also impact $33 million in Central Office Reductions (hiring freeze, Reduction in Force, and Maximized other resources, grants, and capital funds), with a focus in tapping into $24 million in Increased Revenue, and $63 million in District Reserves. The final budget will be approved by the end of April, and final cuts will be made on May 1st.
We must act now and urge SPS to prioritize the Filipinx American History Class and ensure that our history is not erased from the education system. We are calling Filipino youth and community to rise for the fight of no longer be without our history. We also call on our non-Filipino friends to stand with us and the protection of liberatory studies.
DEMANDS
Seattle Public Schools has around 5000 Filipino American students, with Tagalog ranking among the top 10 most spoken languages in the district. Don’t cut our courses! Implement Filipinx US History and other liberatory studies into the 2023-2024 school year!
Implement culturally responsive and pro-people education. Expand Filipinx US History and other liberatory studies to be an educational requirement K-12
Prioritize the budget for liberatory studies and social services for our students
CALL:
Save Filipinx American US History and other Liberatory Studies Courses!
Rise 4 Rights: fight for the Filipinx US History class!
Kabataan Unite! Fight for pro-people education!
Learn more and see other action steps
Petition by
To:
Seattle Public Schools
From:
[Your Name]
I am writing to you today to express my deep concern regarding the potential discontinuation of the Filipino/Filipinx American History course. As a member of the community, I strongly urge you to reconsider this decision and continue offering this valuable course to students.
The Filipino American community of Seattle has been fighting tirelessly for the inclusion of Filipino American history in Seattle public schools for the past 50 years. Our community has a deep history of organizing and activism, and we will not stop until our demands are met. We believe that it is essential for our students to learn about the contributions of Filipinx Americans to the fabric of American society and for our community to be recognized and respected.
We are prepared to take drastic action to ensure that our demands are met. If necessary, we are prepared to shut down the city to make our voices heard. We will not rest until Filipino American history is recognized and included in the curriculum of Seattle Public Schools. Our community deserves to have our stories told and our contributions acknowledged.
The Filipinx/a/o American History course is an important part of our curriculum, as it provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the contributions made by Filipinx Americans to our country. By studying the rich history and culture of Filipinx Americans, students are able to develop a greater appreciation for diversity and cultural awareness. This knowledge not only enriches the educational experience of the students, but also strengthens the fabric of our community as a whole.
The Filipinx American community is the second-largest Asian American community in the United States and is an integral part of our community here in Seattle, WA. By offering the Filipino/Filipinx American History course, our students are able to gain a better understanding and appreciation of this community, which can lead to increased cultural sensitivity and a greater appreciation for diversity.
Moreover, the Filipinx American community has made significant contributions to the economic, social, and political development of our country, and it is important that our students learn about and recognize these contributions. The Filipino/Filipinx American History course provides students with a comprehensive understanding of these contributions, which can help prepare them to be active and informed citizens in our increasingly diverse society.
In addition to saving the Filipinx American History course and other liberatory studies courses such as Black Studies, Native American Literature Composition, LGBTQ+ Literature Composition, Women of Color Literature, Kiswahili, Asian American Literature Composition, and Somali Heritage Language, I demand that the School District allocate a sufficient budget towards Liberatory education and social services. This will ensure that our students have access to a quality education that prepares them for success in the future and builds community between students, teachers, and all community members. Our Liberatory Studies courses should be a priority and should not have to face cuts any time there is a budget constraint.
In light of these important benefits, I strongly urge you to reconsider the decision to discontinue the Filipino/Filipinx American History course at Seattle Public Schools. This course is an invaluable resource for our students and our community, and its removal would be a significant loss.