The March 17 MVLA board meeting was packed with parents. Most parents in the room came to address item 14.4 on the agenda, titled “School Graduation Requirements.” More specifically, the parents were there to ask the board to bring back World History to freshman year and make Ethnic Studies an elective. More than 600 hundred parents signed a petition urging the board to change MVLA’s graduation requirement.
The chronicle of ethnic studies dates to 2021, when Gov. Newsom signed Assembly Bill 101, which mandates that high schools offer one semester of ethnic studies starting with the 2025-2026 school year, but only “upon appropriation” – meaning funding must be allocated for the bill to take effect. MVLA decided to go beyond the mandate and implement a two-semester Ethnic Studies course as a graduation requirement for ninth graders beginning last year. This course replaced the ninth grade World History class.
Now, sophomores satisfy the World History requirement through AP World History, AP European History, AP Human Geography or standard World History. This reduces students’ flexibility in course selection and leaves them less prepared for AP history classes – a concern raised by the student trustee at the meeting.
The course lacks a textbook or a well-vetted curriculum. It has been criticized as divisive and politically charged. At worst, parents feel it attempts to indoctrinate students; at best, they say it offers little educational value. Few, if any, families have expressed enthusiasm for it, though many initially accepted it as a state requirement. However, the state did not appropriate funds for the course this year, meaning it is not required.
Given that the course is no longer required by the state, many parents thought it was time to evaluate. Thus, they filled the MVLA board meeting room and waited until 9 p.m. when the item came on the agenda to speak. They shared concerns: lack of adequate World History instruction, more limited elective options, poor preparation for AP courses and weakened college readiness. The student trustee present confirmed that she felt less prepared because she did not have World History as a freshman. The parents urged the board to make Ethnic Studies an elective and restore World History in ninth grade.
Board reactions were mixed. Vadim Katz came prepared and offered thoughtful comments. Catherine Vonnegut seemed open to discussion. Alex Levich supported re-evaluating the requirement. Thida Cornes, however, offered vague commentary and seemed unable to engage meaningfully with the current legal uncertainty. She repeatedly cited “four-year plans,” though student schedules in MVLA remain flexible.
The most disappointing response came from Superintendent Eric Volta. It was disappointing in both demeanor and content. He was focused solely on logistical challenges and staffing (FTEs) and refused to entertain any adjustment. Parents’ concerns were not addressed in any of his remarks. Mr. Volta, many parents in the room were well-informed and deeply invested in their children’s education. Please take their concerns seriously and please demonstrate genuine care for students through actions and adaptability instead of being rooted in the status quo.
Marina Dergun is a Los Altos resident.
