New California Law Empowers State Government to Prevent Local School Boards from Banning Inclusive and Diverse Curriculum

New California law gives the state more power over local school boards.

California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom signed into law new legislation that allows the state government to prevent local school districts from banning inclusive or diverse books, curriculum, or instruction material.

The legislation, known as AB 1078, was sponsored by State Superintendent Tony Thurmond in response to a wave of local school boards adopting policies related to the LGBTQ community.

The law authorizes complaints against school boards for insufficient textbooks or instructional materials that discriminate against students of color or LGBTQ+ students.

Examples of insufficient instructional materials include textbooks that omit information about recent U.S. Presidents and sections that exclude information about prominent Civil Rights leaders in the LGBTQ+ community.

New California law gives the state more power over local school boards

California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed into law new legislation that grants the state government increased control over local school boards. The legislation, known as AB 1078, aims to prevent the banning of books, curriculum, or instruction material that is deemed inclusive or diverse. The law was sponsored by State Superintendent Tony Thurmond in response to a rise in policies adopted by local school boards regarding the LGBTQ community. Under the new law, school districts can be fined for having insufficient instructional materials that discriminate against students of color or LGBTQ+ students.

Addressing Dangerous Trends

In a press release, Superintendent Thurmond highlighted the need to reject policies that seek to divide communities and restrict inclusive curriculum. He stated that a small group of extremists has been advancing policies to ban books related to civil rights for communities of color and the LGBTQ+ community, force schools to disclose LGBTQ+ students’ identities, and limit inclusive curriculum. The new legislation aims to counter these dangerous trends and ensure that all students have access to inclusive educational materials.

Preventing Discrimination and Ensuring Inclusion

AB 1078 directly targets local school board control over curriculum and books allowed in schools. The law authorizes complaints against school boards for insufficient textbooks or instructional materials resulting from enacted policies or omissions. Examples of insufficient instructional materials include textbooks that lack information about recent U.S. Presidents and sections that exclude information about prominent Civil Rights leaders in the LGBTQ+ community. The legislation aims to ensure that all students receive a comprehensive education that aligns with California’s core academic content standards and curriculum framework.

By granting more power to the state government, the new law aims to prevent discrimination against students of color and LGBTQ+ students. It emphasizes the importance of inclusive education and the need to provide students with diverse perspectives and experiences. The law will be effective immediately, signaling a commitment to promoting equality and fostering an inclusive learning environment in California schools.

Source Credit

Photo Credit: upload.wikimedia.org