ABSTRACT
A thoughtful citizenry that believes in democratic ideals and is willing and able to participate in the civic life of the nation is essential for the creation and survival of a democratic society. Reflective and active democratic citizens make decisions and take action that promote political, economic, and cultural democracy. Historically, schools in nation-states throughout the world have eschewed cultural democracy and emphasized cultural assimilation and the eradication of the cultures and languages of students from diverse racial, ethnic, language, and religious groups (Banks, 2004a).
