California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a new bill that prohibits school boards from censoring or rejecting textbooks based on their teachings about different racial backgrounds, sexual orientations, and gender identities. The bill was signed on Monday and Newsom referred to it as “long overdue.”
Newsom expressed his concern about the attempts by fringe ideologues across the country to whitewash history and ban books from schools. He stated that with this new law, California is cementing itself as the true freedom state where families have the freedom to decide what’s right for them, not political fanatics.
The bill is effective immediately and addresses an ongoing issue in the US about banning and censoring books, particularly those that discuss sexuality and LGBTQ+ history. This issue has gained attention, and in California, a school board rejected a social studies curriculum for elementary students that included teaching materials about Harvey Milk, a San Francisco politician and gay rights advocate.
The new legislation prevents school boards from banning instructional materials or library books that provide inclusive and diverse perspectives, as required by state law. The bill passed after intense debates about the role of the state in approving local district curricula and ensuring that students are exposed to diverse and accurate portrayals of history.
In addition to this bill, Newsom also signed another bill on Monday to increase penalties for child traffickers. This bill faced initial opposition due to concerns about potentially punishing victims of child trafficking. However, it was later amended to protect the victims.
Overall, these new laws aim to promote inclusion, diversity, and accurate portrayals of history in California’s education system.
Focus keyword: California governor signs bill prohibiting censorship of schoolbooks
