SB48 - The Fair, Accurate, Inclusive and Respectful (FAIR) Education Act -- New Law for 2012

SB48 made several additions to the Education Code (EC) sections dealing with the course of study, classroom instruction, and instructional materials by adding language which proscribes the inclusion of the contributions of various groups in the history of California and the United States. The expanded language now includes (additions bolded):

“...a study of the role and contributions of both men and women, Native Americans, African Americans, Mexican Americans, Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders, European Americans, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Americans, persons with disabilities, and members of other ethnic and cultural groups, to the economic, political, and social development of California and the United States of America, with particular emphasis on portraying the role of these groups in contemporary society.”

The legislation also added some requirements regarding instructional materials. EC Section 51501 already included prohibitions on matter “reflecting adversely upon persons because of their race, sex, color, creed, handicap, national origin, or ancestry”; this bill added “sexual orientation” to the list.  EC Section 60044 includes a similar prohibition on materials that reflect adversely on persons on the basis of their occupation and directs governing boards to only adopt instructional materials that “accurately portray the cultural and racial diversity of our society.” Finally, the legislation reminds charter and alternative schools that they are also prohibited in engaging in discrimination per EC Section 235. 

For additional information... Frequently Asked Questions