Encouraged Governor Signed Five Bills that Recognize and Advance Black Lives Matter

Disappointed with Ethnic Studies Bill Veto, Vow to Continue Fight for Culturally Comprehensive, Authentic Curriculum

SACRAMENTO — CTA President E. Toby Boyd released the following statement in response to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s veto of AB 331 (Medina), the ethnic studies bill, and signing AB 1196 banning police choke holds, AB 1506 establishing neutral investigations for police use of deadly force, AB 2542: Racial Justice Act, AB 1775 that penalizes using 911 to harass another, and AB 3121 that forms a taskforce to investigate reparations for Black Americans:

“We are disappointed in the governor’s veto of AB 331, which would have made ethnic studies a California high school graduation requirement and helped to meet the critical need for culturally comprehensive education in our schools. In the midst of the largest and most widespread movement for equality and equity our nation has seen since the Civil Rights Era, the need for all students to learn about the diverse histories and perspectives of Black, Indigenous and people of color couldn’t be greater.

“California’s educators will continue our efforts to ensure all students feel seen, heard and respected in our classrooms, and we will resume our work with state leaders to develop an authentic ethnic studies curriculum that can be implemented with veracity and reliability. We know that ‘justice delayed is justice denied’ and while we are disappointed with this setback, we look forward to joining Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond and State Board of Education President Linda Darling Hammond on developing an authentic ethnic studies program that our students deserve and our society needs.

“At the same time, we appreciate the governor signing five key bills that recognize the struggles of Black Americans through decades of structural racism. Too many of our Black youth have perished at the hands of reckless, hateful individuals and suffered the consequences of a broken, unjust system. We long for the day when we can live harmoniously in an inclusive, equitable and accepting society that embraces and celebrates diversity.”

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The 310,000-member California Teachers Association is affiliated with the 3 million-member National Education Association.