SELLEST OSAST
In a live, online discussion we co-hosted with Braver Angels on September 4th, 2025, eight panelists discussed whether Ethnic Studies should be required for high school graduation, whether such a course should even be offered at all, or whether the content is likely to do more harm than good.
Nearly 200 audience members from across the country listened in and posed questions as panelists shared their views and personal experiences, listened, and responded respectfully to audience questions. The conversation was lively, illuminating, and, at times, challenging, but it exemplified the value of civil dialogue when addressing controversial topics like this one.
A video recording of the initial event with 8 panelists is available on our YouTube channel. An audio podcast episode is also available here on our website and on your favorite podcasting platforms. Additional details, including brief panelist bios, questions and comments from the audience, and updates on the California law that would have made Ethnic Studies a high school graduation requirement, are available here.
A particularly noteworthy moment occurred near the end when Niclole Bernstein, a panelist opposed to Ethnic Studies, expressed a desire to continue the conversation with Albert Camarillo, one of four panelists in support of the course. This episode captures the fascinating conversation that took place between these two panelists just two weeks later.
A video of this conversation between Bernstein and Camarillio can also be viewed on our YouTube channel.
