The liberal state of California has passed a bill that prevents school boards from restricting “woke” books in school libraries.
The Democrat-controlled legislature recently approved Assembly Bill 1078, which blocks school boards from “refusing to approve or prohibiting the use of any textbook, instructional material or other curriculum or any book or other resource in a school library.” These reading materials may sometimes contain graphic and homosexual content that is inappropriate for children.
The bill was easily advanced out of the State Senate in a 30-9 vote on Thursday and will now go to State Gov. Gavin Newsom’s desk for his signature.
“California is the true freedom state: a place where families — not political fanatics — have the freedom to decide what’s right for them,” the governor’s office said in a statement. “All students deserve the freedom to read and learn about the truth, the world, and themselves.”
Democrat Assemblymember Corey Jackson, who authored the bill, also patted himself in the back for pushing such a radical bill.
“California is taking a stand against book banning in California’s schools, ensuring that our students have access to educational materials that accurately represent the rich cultural and racial diversity of our society,” Jackson wrote.
“It will ensure that California pushes back against the disgusting practice of engaging in culture wars and stepping on the backs of vulnerable populations for political gains,” he said on the Assembly floor.
Outnumbered Republican lawmakers, meanwhile, have blasted the passage of the bill, with many noting the Democrats’ ignorance over age-appropriate reading materials.
“We’re not having the conversation at the core of the issue, which is age appropriate materials,” said Sen. Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh, who argued that parents’ concerns about exposing their children to books that are unsuitable for their age, rather than diversity, are the true cause of opposition to some publications.
“Parents should have a right to be able to go up to their school board and voice their concern about the content of the material they’re being taught,” said Sen. Kelly Seyarto, adding that they should not “demonize the parents who are getting upset about this.”
