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Dear Instructional Quality Commission Members:
I am writing to encourage you to include the Armenian Experience in the Ethnic Studies Model Curriculum.
Armenian Americans have been an integral part of our great state for over a century, making immense contributions to our society. Last year we celebrated 400th anniversary since the arrival of first Armenian to America.
California is home to over one and a half million Armenians, making up the largest organized Diaspora community in the entire world. It is of paramount importance to me and hundreds of thousands of our community members that California students get to learn about the rich history and culture of our people that have enriched the diverse mosaic of America. California high school students deserve an opportunity to learn the role of ethnicity, race, and religion in the life of all its citizens, including and especially those previously ignored.
As you might well know, ever since the Armenian Genocide, Armenians have had to flee their historic homeland. Our ancestors had to go to places where they were accepted and treated equally and well. This is the reason why California has the largest Armenian population outside of Armenia – because of all the opportunity, freedom, and equality. The current model curriculum does not do justice to the Armenian Americans and other minorities living in the state. Therefore, I urge you to adopt a new and revised model curriculum which will be inclusive to all Californians and for California to continue its long history and tradition of being a model state for others to follow.
Thank you for your consideration of this important request.
For more information and further assistance with providing with materials and expertise to include the Armenian Americans, please feel free to contact the Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region at (818) 500-1918 or info@anca.org. The organizations’ Education Committee is ready to assist with anything necessary to ensure that our community is also included in the final version of the model curriculum.
Sincerely,