Book Banning In Temecula Valley USD, Other CA Schools: Stop Sign Ahead

TEMECULA, CA — A California bill out of Riverside County is expected to be signed into law any day, and it will stand in contrast to Florida and other states that ban certain history and other books in public schools.

If signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom as expected, Assembly Bill 1078 introduced by Moreno Valley Democrat Corey Jackson will penalize school districts — like Temecula Valley Unified School District — that ban educational materials based solely on inclusion of history related to Black, Latino, Asian, Native American, LGBTQ people and other groups.

Existing California education code mandates teaching inclusivity, but some districts, like the TVUSD, have attempted to sidestep the state requirement.

AB 1078 extends to cover school libraries, prohibiting any censorship or removal of books, instructional materials, or curriculum resources required under state law.

"We're taking a firm stand against book banning in California's schools, ensuring that our students have access to a broad range of educational materials that accurately represent the rich cultural and racial diversity of our society," Jackson said earlier this month.

Newsom has signaled his support for AB 1078. In a released statement he said, "California is the true freedom state: a place where families — not political fanatics — have the freedom to decide what’s right for them. With the passage of this legislation that bans book bans and ensures all students have textbooks, our state’s Family Agenda is now even stronger. All students deserve the freedom to read and learn about the truth, the world, and themselves."

Three TVUSD board members have voted to ban certain educational materials that deal with LGBTQ issues and some race debates. The three-member majority — Trustees Joseph Komrosky, Danny Gonzalez and Jennifer Wiersman — also vowed to eradicate any material the three-member majority deems pornographic, erotic, violent, or contains vulgarity, profanity, or other obscene material.

The TVUSD board majority appears aligned with a national Republican-led push to implement socially conservative policies in public schools. "Culture war" issues have been ongoing in the TVUSD ever since the three board members were voted into office last November. In addition to censoring books, the district adopted a trans "outing" policy that is now the subject of a lawsuit filed by the state against another Inland Empire school district.

Read more here:

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• Amid Feud With Governor, Temecula Approves Social Studies Curriculum
• TVUSD School Board Fires Superintendent Amid Curriculum Clash
• The High Stakes Of Temecula Valley USD's Race Debate