FollowUp 4: California's SB-48

The Bay Area Reporter notes that attacks on California's SB-48, The Fair, Accurate, Inclusive, and Respectful (FAIR) Education Act are continuing.  While Richard Rios, who had filed petitions for two separate ballot propositions to remove the effectiveness of FAIR, has dropped his efforts, Lou Sheldon is picking up the slack.

The proposal, submitted by Lou Sheldon of the anti-gay Traditional Values Coalition, repeals SB 48′s requirement that instructional materials recognize those contributions.

Sheldon also wants to undo the law’s provision that prohibits instructional materials that reflect adversely on people based on their sexual orientation and other characteristics.

Backers of Sheldon’s initiative have until June 25 to collect the 504,760 valid signatures needed to get the proposal on the state ballot.

Fortunately, unlike the bigotry of Mr. Rios and Mr. Sheldon, there is level-headed news.

One measure (SB 48), requiring public schools to include the contributions of LGBT individuals and “other cultural groups” in social studies courses, could take years to implement. That’s because schools review and approve textbooks years in advance.

The law has stirred controversy, but officials say it promotes inclusion. Maureen Latham, assistant superintendent of instructional support services for the Beaumont Unified School District, told the newspaper, “Just as we look for balance in represented groups like the Hmong culture or the Morongo Indians, we will be sure to include any contributions to society of all groups. Maybe textbooks that highlight the accomplishments of Harvey Milk (the state’s first openly gay politician who was killed in 1978) will be appropriate.” 

The last article also has information on three other new laws in California that seek to treat all Californians, including those in the LGBTQ Community, fairly.

Thanks to Joe My God for the heads up.

12 October 2011, Original Pedantic Political Ponderings post.

23 October 2011, FollowUp 1.

28 November 2011, FollowUp 2.

9 December 2011, FollowUp 3.