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Tom should Horne out of Tucson schools

“The only thing to fear is critical-thinking students.”

That’s Tucson student Jesus Romero – who is taking Raza Studies – commenting on Tom Horne’s latest attack on the decade-old multi-ethnic studies in Old Pueblo high schools that drives conservative elected officials crazy.

Horne and legislator Russell Pearce and their ilk seem to be afraid – very afraid – of critical-thinking Latinos.

Last month Tom Horne, state superintendent of public instruction, held a press conference across from the Tucson Unified School District building to present “reasons TUSD should abolish its ethnic studies department.”

Horne’s frustrated because only the TUSD board can do that. Horne’s problem is that the board and district Superintendent Roger Pfeuffer are solidly behind the courses because they produce better academic and AIM scores by students who take the elective studies.

More of these students also go on to graduate than those who don’t take the courses. In fact, the board recently discussed expanding the program. And other U.S. school districts with heavily Latino student populations are looking at the program as a model for Latino educational success.

Yet because he lacks that power, Horne plays politics. Like Pearce – who will probably introduce a ballot initiative to outlaw ethnic courses if he follows previous patterns – Horne realized that he can pander to the anti-immigrant crowd to get votes and support. Horne’s backers at the press conference were anti-immigration extremists that sported signs reading “Operation Wetback” and shouted “Go home” at Mexican American students.

Horne’s and Pearce’s giving the courses “F”s because Latino students get better grades is a lesson in how politicians with an agenda will try at any cost to influence academics.