A proposed California bill would fine school districts that ban books.
Introduced and authored by Assemblymember Corey Jackson of Riverside, the measure does not prohibit book banning. However, it would impose a fine if books are banned because they contain “inclusive and diverse perspectives.”
The bill, AB 1078, was created to directly target local school board control of curriculum and books that will be allowed in schools. The measure was heard in the Senate Education Committee and passed 5-2 on Wednesday.
Tensions were heated during a debate from both sides about book banning at the hearing of the California State Senate Education Committee.
“Our students of color and our LGBTQ+ students should not be threatened for their viewpoints, and they should not have education withheld from them,” State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, who spoke in favor of the bill, said.
Hellbound and Down 