High School in Arizona Gets in Trouble for Violating “Ethnic Studies” Ban

Rollingstone Magazine recently interviewed KRS-One (Knowledge Reigns Supreme Over Nearly Everything), about his trip to an Arizona public high school that violated state law by teaching his lyrics. KRS-One is one of the originators of rap music/hip hop in the 1970s, and wrote a book about the history of the musical genre. In this interview, he talks about perceptions of hip hop and its role in the African American community and American history.

READ HERE: KRS-One V. Arizona 

Some questions to think about as you read the interview:

1) What does KRS-One see as the function of teaching ethnic studies?

2) What is Arizona’s purpose in banning ethnic studies? Is their stated purpose the same as their actual purpose?

3) What is the wider political climate in Arizona surrounding the ethnic studies ban? How does the influx of Latino immigrants inform your understanding of the purpose of the law?

4) What does KRS-One mean by “collectivism”? What does the state of Arizona mean by promoting “the treatment of pupils as individuals”?

How One Prep Hawk Makes Time for Reading

Article by Michael Washlick

Reading is not all about school. It is also a big part of my personal life. I read at school and home. It is what I choose to do during my free time. My daily schedule is always packed, however I read at every opportune moment. I leave my house at six o’clock in the morning and spend an hour and ten minute commuting to the Prep. Once at school I read during homeroom, lunch, or the beginning of class. If I am not taking a nap on the way home, I put on headphones and listen to music while reading a book.

Reading can teach you a lot about the different perspectives of other human beings. Take for example the new movie and book, American Sniper. Most people have never been a sniper in United States military, but reading the book will help them to understand what the soldier faced during his life.

You can always make time to read. If you do not want to buy a book you can find one for free online or at McShain Library. Put the school books away for now and find a book that you want to read. Once you have found one, put it in your backpack or gym bag. For example, I always carry a copy of Jack London’s The Wild with me. When I get home it is like hell on wheels because my family can be loud. I just go upstairs and read for a bit. Also, do not forget, libraries of all kinds do exist. They hold books from many different genres. If you cannot find what you are looking for ask a librarian.  They are more than happy to help you find a book to read.

Right now I advise you to pick up a book from the library, sit down, and read until you finish it. It does not matter what anybody else thinks. All that matters is that you read.

Entrepreneur and mentor Tai Lopez explains the benefits of reading everyday.

February Book Displays

Black History Month

Celebrate Black History Month with us at McShain Library. Posted below are a few of the books we have on display, as well as an article by Dr. Khadija White at Rutgers University that discusses why black history matters in America.

    T

The St. Valentine’s Day Massacre

Learn why on February 14th, 1929 Al Capone became known as one of America’s most ruthless mobsters.