News Briefs | FYI
April 15, 2024
New law would create Office of Civil Rights within CDE
New legislation would establish an Office of Civil Rights within the California Department of Education to investigate complaints that allege unlawful discrimination, harassment, intimidation or bullying at California public schools.
On April 8, state Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond joined State Sen. Henry Stern, State Sen. Susan Rubio, Jewish Public Affairs Committee of California representative Cliff Berg, and Anti-Defamation League Central Pacific Deputy Regional Director Teresa Drenick in announcing support for Senate Bill 1421 to establish an Office of Civil Rights within the CDE.
“As an educator and a father, I know how critical it is for every child to feel not only safe in their identity, but proud of their identity at school. That’s why I have been at the forefront of protecting our LGBTQ+ students,” Thurmond said, in a news release. “It’s our priority to engage directly with every report of antisemitism that our office has received. That is why we must establish a clear avenue so that all students and families are able to access support and resolution when they experience harm at school for being who they are.”
The new Office of Civil Rights would investigate complaints and also report to Thurmond and the CDE on the frequency of incidents of unlawful discrimination, harassment, intimidation and bullying at school districts, county offices of education and charter schools. It would advise Thurmond and the CDE on the office’s investigations and provide other recommendations.
“I am driven by a profound commitment to the safety and well-being of our children in schools. This bill embodies our collective promise to shield our children from harm and equip them with the knowledge to confront the shadows of history,” said bill author Stern.
FYI
Virtual Networking Events coming in May
ACSA members have the honor to serve on Committees and Councils based upon job-alike functions or sharing a common interest or goal. During 2023-24, several of ACSA’s Committees and Councils will offer Virtual Networking Events where administrators will be able to join others similar in their job position or interest to network and learn. These meetings are open to ACSA members as well as non-members. Upcoming meetings include Educational Options, May 1, 10-11 a.m.; Adult Education, May 8, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; Classified Educational Leaders, May 15, 1-2 p.m.; and Human Resources, May 20, 1-2 p.m. Please visit www.acsa.org/committees-councils#tab4 for registration links and for the most up-to-date information as times/dates are subject to change.
Final site administrators network meeting is May 1
This virtual networking series is sponsored by the ACSA Elementary, Middle Grades and Secondary Education Councils in collaboration the National Associations of Elementary and Secondary School Principals (NAESP & NASSP). Each session will feature an essential leadership priority based upon statewide input from school site leaders. Breakout rooms will be available for grade span specific focus. Learn practical strategies and resources while networking with colleagues from throughout the state. The final meeting for 2023-24 will be May 1 on the topic of “Closing the School Year with Celebration and Grace, Opening the New Year with Inspiration and Hope.” Meetings are held on ACSA’s Online Learning Center. Participation is free. Register at onlinelearning.acsa.org/courses/2023-24-k-12-site-administrators-leadership-network.