Updates: AB 2016, passed Senate Appropriations (5-2). Now we need to start preparing for the next step which is to reach out to the Governor’s Office as the bill moves forward through Senate and back to Assembly for its final passage.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD a sample letter addressed to the Governor. Please send this letter directly to the Governor and email us a photo of the letter: [email protected]

We need to start sending these letters as soon as possible, do not wait until the bill is enrolled (i.e. passes both houses). 

Article: http://www.vidaenelvalle.com/news/state/california/sacramento/article72678827.html

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AB 2016 (Alejo) is scheduled to be heard on Wednesday, April 6 at 1:30pm in Assembly Education Committee in Sacramento, CA.

If you want to demonstrate your support for the bill, please come to the hearing and state your support in person. If you have questions over the hearing, please contact [email protected], Legislative Aide to Assembly member Alejo.

If you are not able to attend the hearing in person, you can submit a letter of support to Assembly member Alejo’s Office by send it via email to [email protected] by March 30, 2016. For a letter template, see below. Please feel free to modify the letter according to your respective organization or individual needs.

Thank you for your support,

[Organization Letter Head]

Month XX, 2016

Assemblymember Luis Alejo

P.O. Box 942849

Sacramento, CA 94249-0030

Re: AB 2016 (Alejo): Implementation of Ethnic Studies—SUPPORT

Dear Assemblymember Alejo:

On behalf of [ORGANIZATION NAME], I write in support of AB 2016, which instructs the Superintendent to establish a model curriculum for Ethnic Studies beginning the school year of 2017-18. Beginning with the school year after the development of the model curriculum, each school district with grade 9-12 will be required to offer the class to their students as an elective for social science.

California has one of the largest and most diverse student populations in the nation. Ethnic minorities account for over 71 percent of the student population, with more than 90 languages spoken in the state’s school districts

Given California’s annual increase in population diversity, it is especially important that students build knowledge of the various racial and ethnic groups in our state. Incorporating ethnic studies courses into standard high school curriculum is a means to accomplish this. In doing so, students gain an encompassed outlook on other cultures while learning respect and tolerance. Additionally, it provides students with the opportunity to learn about their respective culture in the context of California’s history.

Developing ethnic studies programs in all public high schools is an integral part of cultivating a classroom environment that is accepting of diverse cultures. It is vital for young people to learn about their history, but also important for them to feel like they can change their communities in positive ways. This bill will help close the achievement gap by reducing student truancy, increasing student enrollment, reduce drop-out rates, and better prepare Californian youth to be college-prepared and career-ready.

Sincerely,

NAME

TITLE

ORGANIZATION