A bill prohibiting school boards from rejecting textbooks because they educate about the contributions of people with diverse racial backgrounds, sexual orientations, and gender identities was signed into law by California Governor Gavin Newsom on Monday.
The measure was deemed “long overdue” by Newsom.
According to a statement released by Newsom, “fringe ideologues from Temecula to Tallahassee are attempting to whitewash history and ban books from schools.” “With the passage of this new law, California is solidifying its position as the real freedom state, where families, not political zealots, are free to make their own decisions.”
The bill is operative right now. States all throughout the nation are debating the issue of book bans and censorship, which has turned into a political hot potato in the United States. Restrictions regarding textbook depictions of sexuality and LGBTQ+ history have been implemented by school boards with a conservative majority.
The California measure gained more prominence after a Southern California school board rejected an elementary school social studies curriculum that included additional content about San Francisco politician and homosexual rights activist Harvey Milk.
According to a news release from Newsom’s office, the new legislation prohibits school boards from prohibiting instructional materials or library books because they offer “inclusive and diverse perspectives in compliance with state law.”
After heated discussions concerning the state’s role in curriculum adopted by local districts and how to ensure that pupils are exposed to a variety of authentic historical interpretations, the bill passed the state Legislature.
On Monday, Newsom also approved a bill toughening the penalties for those who traffic in minors.
Earlier in the year, the plan was defeated by Democrats in the Assembly Public Safety Committee. At first, a few politicians were against it because they thought it may unintentionally punish child trafficking victims.
Following its blockade, lawmakers resurrected the bill when Newsom voiced his disappointment of its inability to go forward. The bill’s Republican sponsor, state senator Shannon Grove, changed it later to prevent victims from being treated as criminals.
