Sep 3, 20202 min read

TELL CALIFORNIA OFFICIALS: Keep Bias and Hate Out of Our Schools

Updated: Sep 11, 2020

Photo by Andre M, Wikipedia

We need YOUR help to send THOUSANDS of emails to keep hate and bias out of California public schools.

We have made it EASY for you:

1. Fill out the form below to send your email to California officials.

2. For added impact, take a few more minutes to leave a comment by phone and email your CA State Representatives, using the instructions at the end of this page.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Last year, we asked you to mobilize and speak out against anti-Israel and antisemitic themes in California's draft Ethnic Studies Model Curriculum (ESMC). Thanks to all of our efforts, the California Department of Education (CDE) committed to writing a new draft. That draft has been released, and there are still serious problems that must be fixed. You can read our detailed analysis of the curriculum here.

THE TIME TO SPEAK UP IS NOW.

California residents have until September 30th to voice concerns to the CDE, State Board of Education, and Instructional Quality Commission (IQC).

TOGETHER, WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

Please submit respectful comments using the email form below, and SHARE THIS ALERT with your friends in California.

DO'S AND DON'TS

DO NOT attack the officials working on the ESMC or any other community covered in the curriculum.

DO:

Keep your comments respectful and focused on the issues outlined in the sample message below and detailed analysis here.
Emphasize the value of inclusion and critical thinking, and how anti-Israel and antisemitic bias have no place in the classroom.
Personalize. For example, if you are a parent, grandparent, educator, or student, introduce yourself as such and share how the current draft of the curriculum will personally impact you and your family.

Email your comments to California education officials:

For added impact, take a few minutes to EMAIL and CALL:

- Call the CDE at 916-319-0243, and leave the following message:

My name is ______. I urge you to revise the ethnic studies curriculum to:

Accurately represent Jewish American experiences and teach about antisemitism in all its forms.
Add an inclusive unit about Middle Eastern communities featuring the lesson plan submitted by JIMENA.
Remove guiding values and principles which can and will be used to justify bringing hate and bias into our classrooms, in violation of AB331.