Roseville High will introduce a new Ethnic Studies course to its course catalogue next year. The course will teach students about culture and traditions by combining a traditional class environment with guest speakers from the community and interactive projects like podcasts.  

According to future ethnic studies teacher Avery Beebe, the course will be interdisciplinary, drawing from different subjects to help students understand other people’s experiences. 

“Ethnic studies is a course where students can look at concepts of race and ethnicity as well as other identities,” Beebe said. “But it’s also a way for them to learn about themselves.”

Senior LSU member Merary Gutierrez said she is excited about the new ethnic studies course and believes it is important for students to learn more about other races and ethnicities. 

“It would bring insight on what goes on at home, not just what they do at school,” Gutierrez said. “I feel like we live in a society where culture is what trending now, instead of actually looking back on traditions.”

BSU member Evan Black believes it is important for students to learn more about their identity and race.

“No matter what ethnicity, race, culture you come from, I think perspective and education is really important for all students to have,” Black said. “I think it allows students to be more exposed and that allows them to have a better understanding of other people.” 

A diverse group of teachers have been working on the ethnic studies course for three years. While Beebe hopes in the future the course will be a requirement, as of now it is a social science elective open to all grade levels. 

“Roseville should definitely offer this course, because there is a lot of diversity on this campus and different identities,” Beebe said. “There’s so many cultures to be celebrated.”