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Record for NoIndoctrination.org entry #133.

California State University, San Marcos (CSUSM)

Jan. 8, 2003

http://www.csusm.edu

Course: EDUC 364: The Role of Cultural Diversity in Schooling

Course Catalog Description: Required of all credential candidates. Principles of first and second language acquisition (e.g., historical and current theories, psychology, sociocultural, political, and pedagogical factors) and issues related to notions of culture, interaction, and communication in school and community contexts (e.g., the nature of culture, manifestations of, cultural contact and cultural diversity in the United States and in California) within a theoretical and applied context. (This class is required for the teaching credential program at Cal State San Marcos.)

Professor: David Whitehorse

Required? Yes, for my major or minor

Lecture Bias: Excessive

Comments: Some examples: We were not allowed to say "American" because it implies that we dominate North and South America. The term we were told to use is "United Statian". All ethnicities were properly termed African American or Native American, however, Caucasians were called "white". We were told that as future teachers, how we interact with each student should be based on tendencies that they may have due to their ethnic background. Example: Since Hispanics have a strong sense of group cohesion, a Hispanic child should never be singled out for discipline. Mr. Whitehorse only reflected one point of view, his own. He stated his opinions as fact without citing proof for these statements. He criticized all teachers both in the public school system and at the University itself. He also advised us that when we become teachers, if we felt our school policy violated our view of how we should teach, we should challenge the administration and continue to teach how we want.

Discussion Bias: Noticeable

Comments: During discussions, when a student made a comment to support the professor's lecture, he would say "That is an excellent point". When students would logically question the professor's statements, he would dismiss the question or comment. For example, he stated that the only difference between the U.S./Mexico border and the U.S./Canada border is the color of skin. Yet the U.S. is much more strict at the U.S./Mexico border. I raised my hand and mentioned that the U.S./Mexico border has a much higher percentage of illegal immigrants and drug trafficing. The professor responded that those concerns were irrelevant to the real issue. He didn't explain why they were irrelevant.

Readings Bias: Objectionable

Comments: The primary text for this class is Multicultural Education: Issues and Perspectives by J.A. Banks and C. A. McGee Banks. One example of the bias in the readings was a chapter regarding the overrepresentation of minorities in special education. The only cause of this trend that the book mentioned was the bias of the assessment tools used to determine if a child needs special education. The ratio of biased to unbiased readings was probably 3:1.

General Comments: I did feel that my grade would be affected if I challenged the teacher. I did mention in my review of the teacher that I consider the faculty to be representatives of the University, and as a result of this class, I may not continue my education at CSUSM. To say the least I have been frustrated with the idea that I am paying for "higher learning", while being forced to listen to lectures that are biased and offensive. An excerpt from the CSUSM Catalog states, "Education depends upon the free expression and exchange of ideas in the search for truth. Academic freedom is the freedom to express any view, popular or unpopular, and to defend that point of view in open exchange. The University supports freedom of speech, inquiry, and expression for all members of its faculty, students, and staff in both curricular and cocurricular activities." [See page 78 of the CSUSM Catalog: http://www.csusm.edu/academic_programs/catalog/2004-06_Catalog/index.htm ] Mr. Whitehorse, as a member of the CSUSM faculty, did not promote a classroom environment where students felt comfortable discussing and debating various issues regarding multicultural education. It concerns me that this professor is educating future educators.

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