December 23, 2011

Pursuant to Elections Code Section 9005, we have reviewed the proposed initiative (A.G. File 11‑0074) that would change existing requirements regarding the inclusion of the roles and contributions of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Americans in school instruction.

Background

Current law requires social science instruction and adopted instructional materials to include information on the contributions of various groups to the economic, political, and social development of California and the United States of America. Existing law also requires adopted instructional materials to accurately portray the cultural and racial diversity of California. To meet the above requirements, social science instruction and adopted instructional materials must include information on men, women, Native Americans, African Americans, Mexican Americans, Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders, European Americans, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender Americans, persons with disabilities, and members of other ethnic or cultural groups.

Proposal

This measure removes the requirement that social science instruction and adopted instructional materials include information on the role and contributions of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Americans.

Fiscal Effect

Since the measure does not prohibit school districts from referencing the contributions of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Americans, school districts would not be required to make modifications to existing curriculum or instructional materials. As a result, they would not need to incur additional expenses.

Summary of Fiscal Effect:

•  This measure would not impose additional costs on school districts.