Our antepasados have sacrificed so much for us!

As one of the plaintiffs in this historic case, being present for the oral arguments in the 9th Circuit Court is crucial.  We are both honored and very excited to be a part of continuing the legacy of advocating for the educational rights of Mexican Americans and view this case as continuous with landmark cases such as M�ndez v. Westminster (1947). Never before have the stakes been so high for the Mexican American-Chicana/o community in terms of education, we cannot afford to take steps backward in the advances that our antepasados have made and who have sacrificed so much for us.

As an 11th grade student, I am extremely disappointed that I did not get to participate in Chicana/o Studies in my school because of the mean spirited and exclusionary acts of the State of Arizona making it against the law to study the beautiful history, culture, literature and arte of my community who has contributed so much to this nation, the Mexican American-Chicana/o community. I want to ensure that my brother and those who come after me in Tucson schools have the opportunity to experience this transformative educational model that helps us youth develop a strong sense of cultural and academic identity and academic proficiency in all students, particularly Chicana/o youth.  

Plaintiffs Korina Lopez and Maya Arce with University of Seattle law team

Si se puede!