Native education advocates press SFUSD to remove Washington High murals and revise fourth‑grade curriculum

SAN FRANCISCO — Members of the Indian Education Parent Advisory Committee presented the program’s annual report on Dec. 11, urging the San Francisco Unified School District board to adopt a Native American culture unit for fourth grade and to begin language‑pathway planning so Native students can learn their heritage languages.

Paloma Flores, the Indian Ed program coordinator, described expanded teacher involvement, partnerships with community organizations and a cultural resources library for teachers. The committee requested the district consider the Klamath‑Trinity Joint Unified School District curriculum as a supplement for California Native history.

Several speakers during public comment asked the board to remove a controversial mural, the Life of Washington, at Washington High School. Mary Travis Allen said the mural depicts American Indians as dead and in subservient positions and told the board, “When the recommendations come to you, take those murals down.” Janine Lewa and other Native community members described the mural as perpetuating symbolization and denial of historic violence.

Superintendent staff described a four‑meeting public process co‑facilitated with the California Indian Museum and Cultural Center; Brent Stevens said the first meeting has been held and the committee will make recommendations to the superintendent in February and the board by April.

Commissioners expressed urgency; several pledged to act when the committee returns recommendations. Board members also praised the Indian Ed program’s outreach and cultural events, and noted ongoing collaboration on curriculum and teacher training with the California Indian Museum and Cultural Center’s cultural intelligence series.