Hispanics (whether Criollo or Mestizo) were recognized as the first American citizens in the freshly acquired Southwest territory, following the Mexican-American War; and Latinos remained a majority in many states until the end of the 19th century. Students in Texas, perhaps, are unaware of these facts, because for a long time, Mexican-American Studies wasn't a priority in the state; however, the Texas State Board of Education has opted to Latino History lessons to the state's children, providing an ethnically oriented state-approved curriculum to Texas schools.
Latino activists in Texas are demanding that public school curriculum reflect the Latino-heavy student body, and they are asking that the State Board of Education offer courses that resonate with Latino students, such as courses in Mexican-American studies.
