Outlawing Shakespeare: The Battle for the Tucson Mind

Outlawing Shakespeare: The Battle for the Tucson Mind is a documentary focuses on the elimination of the Mexican American Studies program within the Tucson Unified School District in Arizona. Under a federal de-segregation decree, Mexican American Studies was created and was successful at improving academic achievement. The documentary explores Arizona Attorney Tom Horne’s crusade as he and other state officials claim the program in Tucson is attempting to convince students to secede from the United States by creating “Aztlan.” Baffling students, parents and teachers, Outlawing Shakespeare explores why this tactic is being utilized.

The documentary explores how Arizona officials have outlawed books and authors such as renowned British author William Shakespeare because they believe he is to controversial.

Is there a rebellion in Tucson or are officials worried about an impending Latino majority in Arizona? The documentary explores how Arizona politics has become focused on race and adults blaming children and using intimidation to force students, teachers and parents not to speak out.

Passed in 2010, HB-2281 outlaws any curriculum focused on overthrowing the US government and focused on one ethnic group. This legislation is the only legislation ever to focus on the concept of “Aztlan” by a sitting attorney general of any state.

Watch the documentary, it is interesting.