Banned! The Fight for Mexican American Studies in the Streets and in the Courts, co-authored by College of Education faculty member Nolan L. Cabrera, documents the Tucson community’s fight to preserve Mexican American Studies in Arizona schools.

A story rooted in Tucson and the fight for Mexican American Studies is receiving national attention from one of the most prominent voices in Chicano cinema.

Edward James Olmos, the acclaimed actor, filmmaker and longtime advocate for Latino representation, has endorsed Banned! The Fight for Mexican American Studies in the Streets and in the Courts, a book co-authored by College of Education faculty member Nolan L. Cabrera and Robert S. Chang.

The book chronicles the community's efforts to protect and preserve Mexican American Studies in Tucson, as well as the legal battles that ultimately led to the program's ban in Arizona. Through firsthand accounts, historical context and an examination of the court proceedings, Cabrera and Chang document a pivotal chapter in Tucson's educational history and explore the broader significance of culturally engaged education.

Olmos described Banned! as a "must read," writing:

“Banned! is a must read! It is a compelling story about the need to fight back, especially in dark times, offering both hope and guidance for our current situation while demonstrating the power of culturally engaged education.”

For Cabrera, the book offers an opportunity to preserve and share the story of a movement that emerged from Tucson and became part of a much larger national conversation about education, culture and the role of schools in serving their communities.

Olmos' endorsement adds another significant voice to the conversation surrounding Banned! and its examination of the history and lasting impact of the fight for Mexican American Studies in Arizona.

Learn more about Banned! The Fight for Mexican American Studies in the Streets and in the Courts and discover the story behind the fight for Mexican American Studies in Tucson here:  https://newbooksnetwork.com/banned-2