Regarding “Ethnic studies required for diploma” (Bay Area, Oct. 10): This is really not a good requirement in my opinion. Students should learn about contributions and oppression of different minority groups within history and social studies. This applies to all minorities.
However, if we have to have an extra subject, let us include the contribution and oppression of one seldom referred to minority groups: people with disabilities. Look at the contributions and influence people with disabilities have had on music. Many American blues singers were blind. Beethoven was deaf in the last few years of his life. So, we should be learning about contributions of people with disabilities, and not just Helen Keller.
Marianne Haas, Berkeley - Central Committee Member - Letter to Editor posted 10/13 in San Francisco Chronicle e-Edition