- Daniel Peeden
- Daniel.Peeden@asm.ca.gov
Sacramento - In the face of an alarming trend of book banning in our schools, Assemblymember Dr. Corey Jackson has taken a bold stance to confront the rising tide of white Christian nationalist extremism to stop the banning of books in California's classrooms.
The Temecula Valley Unified School District garnered attention when its conservative school board majority blocked the adoption of a state-approved history textbook due to its mention of slain gay rights leader Harvey Milk in optional supporting materials. This decision not only stifles academic freedom but also perpetuates the exclusion of diverse perspectives from educational discourse. It is within this context that Assemblymember Dr. Corey Jackson is committed to putting an end to the banning of books and upholding the principles of inclusion and accuracy.
Under the current circumstances, school boards throughout California have been swayed by a small but vocal group of individuals who are determined to strip away the diversity that makes our state so vibrant. Their agenda is rooted in hate and seeks to erase the historical narratives and perspectives of people of color, as well as communities that do not conform to the social norms dictated by white Christian nationalism. Assemblymember Dr. Corey Jackson, himself a person of faith, finds these actions deeply disturbing and strongly condemns the weaponization of religion to cause harm.
Assembly Bill 1078, brings much-needed change in the K-12 education system. This legislation mandates that any school within the K-12 system must secure a super majority on the school board to vote in favor of banning a book. This ensures that decisions regarding the removal of books from educational settings are made with careful consideration and broad consensus.
Furthermore, AB 1078 grants parents the right to appeal such decisions to the County Board of Education, ensuring a fair and transparent process for addressing concerns. By empowering parents and allowing them to be active participants in their children's education, this bill strengthens the bond between schools and families, fostering an environment of trust and open dialogue.
Assemblymember Dr. Corey Jackson believes that education should be a gateway to knowledge, empathy, and understanding. In this regard, Dr. Jackson states, "It is disheartening to witness the rise of white Christian nationalist extremism, which seeks to erase the invaluable contributions and narratives of marginalized communities. As a Christian myself, I am deeply appalled that these individuals are perverting our faith to sow division and suppress the histories of others. This will not happen on my watch. AB 1078 is a necessary response to protect our children's access to diverse perspectives, encourage critical thinking, and promote inclusivity in our schools."
By championing AB 1078, Assemblymember Dr. Corey Jackson demonstrates his unwavering commitment to fostering an inclusive and equitable educational environment. This bill stands as a bold statement against hate, intolerance, and the erasure of voices that have long been marginalized. Assemblymember Dr. Corey Jackson invites his colleagues, education stakeholders, and community members to join him in supporting this critical legislation and ensuring that our schools remain spaces that celebrate diversity and inspire future generations.
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