Love history or social studies? Have a passion for human rights and equality? Interested in learning more about current and past events in the United States?

Any student who can relate to these questions should consider taking MV’s newest class, Ethnic Studies. This class focuses on the history of the treatment of minority groups in America, and the potential causes for this treatment. This history is then related back to modern-day social issues between ethnic and racial groups.

Ethnic Studies is currently taught by Mrs. Weaver-Miller, who also teaches Geography and United States History in the Social Studies department.

“I wanted the opportunity to teach students about different ethnic/racial groups and shed light on social justice issues they may deal with,” said Mrs. Weaver-Miller on why she began the Ethnic Studies program.

With first-quarter finals over and done, the first batch of students at MV to take this class have just completed the course.

“I very much enjoyed taking Ethnic Studies,” said Miracle Williams, 10. “I liked how open everyone could be, and learning about other students through their opinions.”

Other students shared the same feelings.

“I enjoyed Ethnic Studies for the most part because I enjoyed seeing other people’s opinions compared to my own on different topics,” said Patrick Watson, 12.

The discussion-focused aspect of this class was put into place by Mrs. Weaver-Miller for a reason.

“The ability to listen to one another is something that we as a society are weak in. We are constantly trying to justify our own opinions rather than hearing-out what others may think,” said Mrs. Weaver-Miller. “You don’t have to adopt a new belief or position on an issue but at least hear what the other side is saying.”

Mrs. Weaver-Miller plans to expand on the program in the future, in the hopes of opening an important dialogue to all students at Mt. Vernon.

“Any MV student should take this class because you can see what has happened in the past and change how the future will be, and how you treat others,” said Kaitlin Webb, 11.