Pittsburgh Ethnic Studies Reading Materials Face Scrutiny
Local families are reviewing course materials assigned at the Pittsburgh Science and Technology Academy.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Secondary Education
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Pittsburgh Science and Technology Academy has faced scrutiny after an ethnic studies course syllabus assigned reading materials that draw parallels between Gaza and the Warsaw Ghetto. The curriculum was brought to light following a public records request by the North American Values Institute.
Why it matters
As Pittsburgh Public Schools prepares to make ethnic studies a mandatory requirement for the graduating class of 2028, the selection of complex historical and academic texts has become a focus for local families. These course materials shape the academic experience for students across the district's 18,000-student population.
The district-wide requirement for ethnic studies begins with the graduating class of 2028, encompassing approximately 18,000 students across 55 schools. The syllabus includes the 2006 article Settler Colonialism and the Elimination of the Native and the 2008 book The Price of Whiteness.
The players
Pittsburgh Public Schools
The local district serving approximately 18,000 students across 55 schools that oversees curriculum standards.
Pittsburgh Science and Technology Academy
The specific secondary school within the district where the ethnic studies course was assigned.
North American Values Institute
An organization that obtained the course syllabus through a public records request.
Patrick Wolfe
The late author of the 2006 article on settler colonialism assigned as part of the curriculum.
The details
The curriculum includes a specific unit titled whiteness, privilege and antisemitism that utilizes academic texts assigned for college-credit coursework. The course material draws comparisons between the West Bank, Gaza, and the Warsaw Ghetto, utilizing works from the late author Patrick Wolfe. These materials are part of the broader ethnic studies framework being integrated into the Pittsburgh Public Schools system.
Timeline
2006: Patrick Wolfe published the article Settler Colonialism and the Elimination of the Native.
2008: Princeton University Press published the book The Price of Whiteness.
2016: Author Patrick Wolfe passed away.
2017: The Greater Pittsburgh Jewish Community Study reported population figures.
Class of 2028: Ethnic studies becomes a required graduation course for students.
The Home Front
This development occurs as Pittsburgh Public Schools implements a mandatory ethnic studies requirement for the graduating class of 2028. The integration of such academic materials highlights the ongoing debate surrounding curriculum selection in secondary education.
Families with students in the district can review upcoming course syllabi provided by their schools to stay informed on assigned readings. Parents are encouraged to discuss the academic content directly with teachers or administrators to understand the context of assigned materials.
The takeaway
The scrutiny of these course materials underscores the importance of parental engagement in reviewing academic curricula as districts shift toward new graduation requirements. Parents should monitor district communications regarding future syllabus updates for elective and required ethnic studies courses.
Further reading
For more updates on local learning standards, visit Secondary Education.
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