January 9, 2012

Pursuant to Elections Code Section 9005, we have reviewed the proposed initiative
(A.G. File No. 11‑0085) that would change existing requirements regarding the inclusion of certain people and groups 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. Current law also prohibits schools from adopting instructional materials that reflect adversely upon individuals because of their race, ethnicity, gender, religion, disability, nationality, or sexual orientation.

Proposal

This measure removes the requirement that social science instruction and adopted instructional materials include information on the contributions of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Americans, and persons with disabilities. In addition, schools would no longer be prohibited from adopting instructional materials that reflect adversely upon individuals because of their sexual orientation. The measure also removes the requirements that (1) social science instruction include information on the contributions of European Americans and (2) adopted instructional materials include information on the contributions of Pacific Islanders.

Fiscal Effect

Since the measure does not prohibit school districts from referencing the contributions of any specific group, 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.