Proposed Initiative Would Increase Ethnic Studies Requirements for CSU Graduation

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California Secretary of State Dr. Shirley N. Weber, Ph.D. announced that the proponent of a new initiative was cleared to begin collecting petition signatures on May 30, 2025. The initiative would change the California State University (CSU) graduation requirements to mandate two ethnic studies courses for undergraduate students and one for graduate students, starting in the 2030-2031 academic year.

Why it matters

This proposed initiative aims to increase the emphasis on ethnic studies education within the CSU system, reflecting a growing national movement to make curricula more inclusive and representative of diverse communities. If passed, it could have a significant impact on the academic experiences of CSU students.

The details

The Attorney General's official title and summary states that under current law, CSU undergraduate students must complete one three-unit ethnic studies course to graduate. The new initiative would change this to require two ethnic studies courses - one lower division and one upper division - for undergraduates, as well as one three-unit ethnic studies course for graduate students. The measure also prohibits the Legislature from reducing the number of required courses or altering the required curriculum.

• The proponent, Emeka Ogbatue, must collect 546,651 signatures by Nov. 26, 2025 to get the measure on the ballot.
• If approved by voters, the new ethnic studies graduation requirements would take effect starting in the 2030-2031 academic year.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The proponent must collect 546,651 signatures by November 26, 2025 to get the measure on the ballot. If approved by voters, the new ethnic studies graduation requirements would take effect starting in the 2030-2031 academic year.