Sign Petition: Save Punjabi at Livingston High School in California

Sign Petition: Save Punjabi at Livingston High School in California

LIVINGSTON, California, USA—According to the US Census, Punjabi is the 11th most spoken language in the state of California. It is the third most spoken language in Merced County after English and Spanish. In Central California, Merced Unified, specifically Livingston High School, has been a unique example to other nearby school districts to offer this program in the future. The Punjabi language program at Livingston High School, now in its 9th year, is one of only 10 schools throughout the nation to offer this program to their students.

What makes this program so vital is that Livingston is home to the largest percentage community of Punjabi Sikhs in the entire nation. It is a small working-class factory town, but one that is proud of its civic engagement and being home to such a lively Punjabi population.

The Punjabi language elective at Livingston High School (LHS) is however threatened to be shut down for the next academic school year.

“The class is extremely popular, and allows students to connect to their culture and heritage. The enrollment at the school has doubled over the past four years and for many students it plays a key role in how the community connects with their culture and heritage,” stated Jaspreet Kaur, Jakara Movement community organizer.

Jakara has launched a petition to keep the Punjabi language program active at the Livingston High School.

“Please help us spread the word by sharing this flyer with your friends and family (on WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, or any other social media you have). If you’re in the area, please take stop by our table this Sunday at either B Street or Peach Street Gurdwara in Livingston,” Jaspreet Kaur added.