An Inland Assemblymember’s bill, intended to prevent school boards from banning textbooks that teach California’s ethnic diversity and cultural history, is in a holding pattern after a state Senate committee vote Monday, Aug. 21.
With no discussion, the Senate Appropriations Committee voted to place AB 1078 in the “suspense file,” a procedural limbo for bills that commit the state to spending money. At a later date, the committee could either release the bill from the file and allow it to move forward or keep it in that status, effectively killing it.
Sponsored by Assemblymember Corey Jackson, D-Perris, AB 1078 would require school boards, when adopting learning materials, “to ensure the accurate portrayal of the cultural and racial diversity of our society.”
It also would requires a two-thirds supermajority vote by school boards seeking to remove a book or curriculum. Schools could lose funding if their educational materials don’t meet California Department of Education content standards.
Jackson called Monday’s committee vote “a natural step in the legislative process.”
“I remain confident that through collaboration with the governor and my colleagues in the legislature, we will further strengthen AB 1078,” he said in an emailed statement. “This bill is crucial in our commitment to prevent book banning in California schools, ensuring an inclusive and diverse educational environment for our students.”
AB 1078, which has Gov. Gavin Newsom’s backing, passed the Assembly in a party-line vote in May. It cleared the Senate Education Committee by a 5-2 vote in July.
Jackson, who is Black, has said his bill is needed to counter “the rise of White Christian nationalist extremism, which seeks to erase the invaluable contributions and narratives of marginalized communities.”
Critics, especially conservatives, contend the bill would usurp the right of local school boards to determine what children should learn. They see AB 1078…
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