This petition is for bringing back the Mandarin course (or another Asian language if in demand) for Skyline High School.

When I was an incoming freshman, I was expecting to be able to learn Mandarin (Traditional Chinese) because it's one of the more common languages taught in high schools in the U.S.. But when I took the form that allowed us to choose our classes, I was insanely surprised and disappointed when I only saw Spanish and French as the options for the World Language courses. I find it very strange that Skyline offers only two language courses, both of them being European languages, because Skyline statistically is populated with people of color. 

As of recently, I finally found out the very few reasons as to why the Mandarin course couldn't stay at Skyline. The one that left me confused the most was that the class didn't have enough interest. I asked a few people if they wanted an Asian language course at Skyline and every single person said yes.

As a first-generation Asian American, I feel disconnected from my own heritage; I know nothing about the language my parents and extended family speak, nothing about the culture my parents know, and being in America makes me feel out of place, alienated. My extended family asks if I can speak Indonesian or Mandarin. I constantly have to say no, simply because my parents never taught me. Also because I don't even have a choice to learn it at school. I'm sure I'm not the only person who feels this way.

I’m demanding at least two levels to the Mandarin course, three is preferable, since we need at least two years of World Language credits in order to graduate Skyline. I understand that we used to have a teacher for Mandarin so we know there are resources for the Mandarin course.

All I ask of you is to sign this petition, for some of the Asian Americans who feel out of place, and for those who would love to learn Mandarin. Thank you.