California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed legislation Oct. 8 making the controversial ethnic studies program a statewide requirement for high school graduation starting in the 2029-30 school year. The new law also requires junior high schools to offer at least a one-semester course in ethnic studies, commencing with the 2025-26 school year. Assemblyman Jose Medina (D-Riverside), who authored Assembly Bill 101 (AB 101), said the bill has been “a long wait.” “I think schools are ready now to make curriculum that is more equitable and more reflective of social justice,” Medina said in a statement. “The inclusion of ethnic studies in the high school curriculum is long overdue. Students cannot have a full understanding of the history of our state and nation without the inclusion of the contributions and struggles of Native Americans, African Americans, Latinos, and Asian Americans.” The legislation comes in the wake of the National School Board Association …