ARIZONA'S EMPOWERMENT SCHOLARSHIP ACCOUNT (ESA) HACKED JACKED AND STACKED MAGA MADNESS

 

ARIZONA'S EMPOWERMENT SCHOLARSHIP ACCOUNT (ESA) HACKED JACKED AND STACKED MAGA MADNESS

Arizona's Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) school voucher program has been hacked! Well, not literally hacked, but it has definitely jacked the Arizona public education budget and stacked MAGA madness. Let's take a closer look at this controversial program that has both supporters and opponents scratching their heads.

First things first, what the heck is the ESA program? It's a school choice program that allows parents to use state funding to pay for private school tuition, homeschooling expenses, or other educational services. Basically, it's like a choose-your-own-adventure book for your child's education. Except instead of flipping pages, you're flipping bills.

Now, who is eligible for the ESA program? It varies depending on the year, but in general, students who are enrolled in a public school in Arizona and who meet certain academic or financial requirements are eligible. So, if your kid is struggling in public school, you might be able to use ESA funds to send them to a private school where they can struggle in a more expensive setting. Yay?

But how much money do ESA students actually receive? Well, that depends on their grade level and whether they have special needs. In 2023-2024, students in grades K-5 receive $6,400, students in grades 6-8 receive $6,700, and students in grades 9-12 receive $7,000. Students with special needs receive additional funding based on their individual needs. So, if your child has a special need like being really good at math, they might be eligible for more funding. Lucky them!

What can ESA funds be used for? They can be used to pay for private school tuition, homeschooling expenses, or other educational services. This includes things like tutoring, curriculum, and educational materials. Basically, anything that can help your child learn and grow. Or, you know, buy them a fancy new calculator.

Now, let's talk about the pros and cons of the ESA program. Proponents of the program argue that it gives parents more choice and flexibility in their children's education. They also argue that the program can help to improve educational outcomes for students who are struggling in public schools. Opponents of the program argue that it diverts funding away from public schools and that it can lead to segregation. They also argue that the program is not well-regulated and that there is a risk that it will be used to fund religious schools. So basically, it's a choose-your-own-adventure book with some pretty big plot holes.

But what is the future of the ESA program? That's anyone's guess. The program has been challenged in court and there is a possibility that it could be repealed. However, the program is also popular with some parents and there is a possibility that it could be expanded in the future. So, it's like a cliffhanger at the end of a book. Will the program survive? Will it be expanded? Will it turn out that the whole thing was just a dream?

In conclusion, the ESA program is a complex issue with both pros and cons. It's important to weigh the arguments for and against the program before making a decision about whether or not to participate. Or you could just flip a coin and hope for the best. After all, isn't life just one big choose-your-own-adventure book?

Tom Horne employee implicated in breach that exposed ESA data | 12news.com https://www.12news.com/article/news/politics/tom-horne-employee-implicated-cyber-breach-exposed-empowerment-scholarship-account-families-data-investigation/75-694857bb-9883-405b-9322-3b6732578514 

New warning about school voucher program in Arizona - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zwYfZo3TziI 

Big Education Ape: ARIZONA AG WARNS PARENTS: IF YOU CANT' HANDLE THE HEAT, STAY IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/07/arizona-ag-warns-parents-if-you-cant.html 

Big Education Ape: THE GREAT VOUCHER WAR: BILLIONAIRES BATTLE TO END PUBLIC EDUCTION https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/07/the-great-voucher-war-billionaires.html 

THE DEFT DIVE 

FROM BARD AI

The Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) school voucher program in Arizona:

* **What is the ESA program?**

The ESA program is a school choice program that allows parents to use state funding to pay for private school tuition, homeschooling expenses, or other educational services. The program was created in 2011 and has been expanded several times since then.

* **Who is eligible for the ESA program?**

Eligibility for the ESA program varies depending on the year. In general, students who are enrolled in a public school in Arizona and who meet certain academic or financial requirements are eligible for the program.

* **How much money does an ESA student receive?**

The amount of money that an ESA student receives depends on the student's grade level and whether they have special needs. In 2023-2024, students in grades K-5 receive $6,400, students in grades 6-8 receive $6,700, and students in grades 9-12 receive $7,000. Students with special needs receive additional funding based on their individual needs.

* **What can ESA funds be used for?**

ESA funds can be used to pay for private school tuition, homeschooling expenses, or other educational services. This includes things like tutoring, curriculum, and educational materials.

* **What are the pros and cons of the ESA program?**

Proponents of the ESA program argue that it gives parents more choice and flexibility in their children's education. They also argue that the program can help to improve educational outcomes for students who are struggling in public schools.

Opponents of the ESA program argue that it diverts funding away from public schools and that it can lead to segregation. They also argue that the program is not well-regulated and that there is a risk that it will be used to fund religious schools.

* **What is the future of the ESA program?**

The ESA program is a controversial program and its future is uncertain. The program has been challenged in court and there is a possibility that it could be repealed. However, the program is also popular with some parents and there is a possibility that it could be expanded in the future.

The ESA program is a complex issue with both pros and cons. It is important to weigh the arguments for and against the program before making a decision about whether or not to participate.

FROM BING AI

The ESA school voucher program in Arizona. This is a program that allows parents to use public funds to pay for their children's education in private schools, online programs, or other educational services. Here are some facts and information about the program:

• - The ESA program was created in 2011 and initially only served students with disabilities. It has since expanded to include other groups of students, such as those from low-income families, military families, foster children, and Native American students living on reservations¹.
• - In 2022, the Arizona legislature passed a bill that made the ESA program universal, meaning that any student who lives in Arizona and could enroll in a public school is eligible to receive an ESA voucher². The bill was signed into law by Governor Doug Ducey on July 7, 2022³.
• - The ESA program is funded by the state general fund and federal funds. The amount of the voucher varies depending on the student's grade level and disability status, but it is generally 90% of the base level funding that the state provides to public schools⁴. For non-special needs students, the average ESA award was $6,148 in fiscal year 2019⁵, compared to the average per pupil spending of $10,120 in public schools⁶.
• - The ESA program is administered by the Arizona Department of Education (ADE), which reviews applications, verifies eligibility, distributes funds, monitors expenditures, and conducts audits. Parents receive an ESA debit card that they can use to pay for approved educational expenses, such as tuition, fees, textbooks, curriculum, tutoring, therapy, testing, and transportation⁷.
• - The ESA program is subject to some regulations and accountability measures. For example, parents must sign a contract with ADE agreeing to provide their children with instruction in reading, grammar, math, social studies, and science. They must also agree not to enroll their children in a public school or receive any other state-funded scholarships while using an ESA. They must submit quarterly expense reports and receipts to ADE and participate in standardized testing if required by law⁸.
• - The ESA program has been controversial and debated among various stakeholders. Supporters of the program argue that it empowers parents to choose the best educational option for their children, especially those who are dissatisfied with or underserved by public schools. They also claim that the program saves money for taxpayers and public schools by reducing enrollment and operational costs⁹. Opponents of the program contend that it diverts public funds from public schools to private schools that are not accountable to the same standards and regulations. They also assert that the program undermines the quality and equity of public education and violates the separation of church and state by funding religious schools[^10^].
• - The ESA program has faced several legal challenges and political campaigns. In 2014, the Arizona Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the program against a lawsuit that claimed it violated a provision in the state constitution that prohibits public money from being used for religious instruction or worship¹¹. In 2018, a citizen initiative called Proposition 305 sought to repeal the expansion of the program that was passed by the legislature in 2017. However, voters rejected the proposition by a margin of 65% to 35%, effectively keeping the expansion intact¹². In 2022, a group called Save Our Schools Arizona announced its intention to launch a referendum campaign to block the universal expansion of the program that was signed into law by Governor Ducey. The group needs to collect at least 118,823 valid signatures by September 24, 2022 to qualify for the November 2024 ballot¹³.

Bing, 8/3/2023

(1) Arizona - Empowerment Scholarship Accounts - EdChoice. https://bing.com/search?q=ESA+school+voucher+program+in+Arizona.

(2) Empowerment Scholarship Account | Arizona Department of Education. https://www.azed.gov/esa/.

(3) Vouchers | Arizona Department of Education. https://www.azed.gov/ESS/vouchers.

(4) Arizona Gov. Hobbs: ESA school voucher program 'unsustainable' - KTAR.com. https://ktar.com/story/5520673/arizona-gov-katie-hobbs-says-esa-program-unsustainable-amid-directors-resignation/.

(5) Arizona governor signs universal school voucher program into law. https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2022/07/20/edvi-j20.html.

(6) Arizona - Empowerment Scholarship Accounts - EdChoice. https://www.edchoice.org/school-choice/programs/arizona-empowerment-scholarship-accounts/.

(7) Can Arizona afford its school voucher program? The Gaggle reports. https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/politics/arizona/2023/08/02/can-arizona-afford-its-school-voucher-program-the-gaggle-reports/70510591007/.

(8) School vouchers are popular in Arizona for a reason - azcentral.com. https://www.azcentral.com/story/opinion/op-ed/2023/04/04/universal-school-voucher-esas-popular-in-arizona-for-reason/70076850007/.

(9) Arizona Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA). https://arizonaempowermentscholarship.org/.

(10) Parent Handbook - Arizona Department of Education. https://www.azed.gov/sites/default/files/2022/05/2022-2023%20ESA%20Program%20Handbook%20%28SBE%20Approved%204-29-22%29.pdf.

(11) Arizona - Empowerment Scholarship Accounts - EdChoice. https://bing.com/search?q=ESA+school+voucher+program+in+Arizona+eligibility.

(12) Eligibility Requirements & Application - Arizona Department of Education. https://www.azed.gov/esa/eligibility-requirements.

(13) The Public School Benefits of Education Savings Accounts. https://www.goldwaterinstitute.org/policy-report/az-esa/.

(14) Ducey signs universal school vouchers into law; public education .... https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/politics/arizona-education/2022/07/07/ariz-governor-signs-universal-school-voucher-law-advocates-vow-fight/7827019001/.

(15) “Alt-Schools Fiasco”: Arizona’s Universal ESA Voucher Scheme Will .... https://www.sosaznetwork.org/2022/alt-schools-fiasco-arizonas-universal-esa-voucher-scheme-will-bankrupt-the-state/.

(16) School's out forever: Arizona moves "to kill public education" with new .... https://www.salon.com/2022/07/01/schools-out-forever-arizona-moves-to-public-education-with-new-universal-voucher-law/.

CITIZENS OF ARKANSAS FOR PUBLIC EDUCATION AND STUDENTS (CAPES) SAYS NO TO MAGA LEARNS NOTHING ACT

 

CITIZENS OF ARKANSAS FOR PUBLIC EDUCATION AND STUDENTS (CAPES) SAYS NO TO MAGA LEARNS NOTHING ACT

In a stunning turn of events, the Citizens of Arkansas for Public Education and Students (CAPES) have launched a petition to let the people decide on the MAGA Learns (Nothing) Act. Yes, you read that right, the MAGA Learns (Nothing) Act.

Now, you might be wondering, what is the MAGA Learns (Nothing) Act? Well, let me break it down for you. It's an education reform law passed by the Arkansas legislature in 2022 that promises to do absolutely nothing. That's right, nothing. Nada. Zilch.

Despite its lack of substance, the law has caused quite a stir among education advocates. CAPES, a nonpartisan movement of teachers, parents, students, and community members, is leading the charge against the law.

Their petition calls for the MAGA Learns (Nothing) Act to be put on the ballot for a statewide vote. Supporters argue that the law is too radical and will harm public education. Opponents argue that it's unnecessary and will only delay the implementation of the law. But let's be real, who cares about their arguments when the law itself is a joke?

In fact, CAPES has taken to calling it the "MAGA Learns (Nothing) Act" because, well, it does exactly what it says on the tin. It's like buying a bag of chips that's half full and calling it the "Air and Crumbs Snack Pack."

But that hasn't stopped the MAGA opponents from using their favorite tactics of lies and conspiracy theories to object to the petition. They claim that the petition is being funded by out-of-state groups who are trying to interfere in Arkansas's education system. Because clearly, it's not like the people of Arkansas could have come up with this idea on their own.

The petition is still in its early stages, but if successful, it would put the MAGA Learns (Nothing) Act on the ballot for a statewide vote in 2024. If voters approve the law, it would go into effect. If voters reject the law, it would be repealed.

Now, you might be thinking, "But wait, if the law does nothing, why bother putting it on the ballot?" And to that, I say, exactly. Why bother? But hey, at least we'll get a good laugh out of it.

In all seriousness though, education reform is no laughing matter. It's a complex issue that requires thoughtful consideration and meaningful action. So let's hope that Arkansas lawmakers can do better than the MAGA Learns (Nothing) Act. Because if they can't, we might as well just pack up our bags and head back to school with Spongebob Squarepants and Patrick Star.

Arkansas grassroots group now says they have enough signatures to put education reform law | KATV https://katv.com/news/local/arkansas-grassroots-group-now-says-they-have-enough-signatures-to-put-education-awaits-official-verification-little-rock-ark-teachers-learns-act-signatures-reached-last-minute-capes-leaders-of-the-citizens-of-arkansas-for-public-education-and-students

CAPES believes they have enough signatures for cure period in LEARNS Act referendum | KARK https://www.kark.com/news/politics/capes-believes-they-have-enough-signatures-for-cure-period-in-learns-act-referendum/?ipid=promo-link-block1 

THE DEFT DIVE

FROM BARD AI

Citizens of Arkansas for Public Education and Students (CAPES) petition to put the LEARNS Act on the ballot:

* **What is the LEARNS Act?**

The LEARNS Act is an education reform law that was passed by the Arkansas legislature in 2022. The law makes a number of changes to the state's education system, including increasing starting pay for teachers, expanding school choice options, and changing the way that schools are evaluated.

* **What is the CAPES petition?**

The CAPES petition is a request to put the LEARNS Act on the ballot for a statewide vote. The petition was started by a group of parents, teachers, and education advocates who are concerned about the impact of the law on public education.

* **What are the arguments for and against the petition?**

Supporters of the petition argue that it is important to give voters a say in the LEARNS Act. They argue that the law is too radical and that it will harm public education. They also argue that the law was passed in a rushed and secretive manner.

Opponents of the petition argue that it is unnecessary and that it will only delay the implementation of the LEARNS Act. They argue that the law has already been vetted by the legislature and that it is a good thing for public education. They also argue that the petition is being funded by out-of-state groups who are trying to interfere in Arkansas's education system.

* **What is the status of the petition?**

The CAPES petition was due to be submitted to the Arkansas Secretary of State's office on July 31, 2023. The group turned in over 50,000 signatures, but they were still short of the required 55,422 signatures. The Secretary of State's office is currently reviewing the signatures.

* **What is the potential impact of the petition?**

If the petition is successful, it would put the LEARNS Act on the ballot for a statewide vote in 2024. If voters approve the law, it would go into effect. If voters reject the law, it would be repealed.

The outcome of the petition could have a significant impact on Arkansas's education system. If the law is approved, it would make a number of changes to the way that schools are run. If the law is rejected, it would prevent the changes from taking effect.

The petition is still in its early stages, so it is too early to say what the ultimate outcome will be. However, it is clear that the petition has generated a lot of debate about the future of education in Arkansas.

FROM BING AI

Citizens of Arkansas for Public Education and Students (CAPES) and the LEARNS Act petition on ballot. 

• - CAPES is a nonpartisan movement of teachers, parents, students, and community members who oppose the LEARNS Act, a law that overhauls public education in Arkansas¹.
• - The LEARNS Act, which stands for Leading Education and Accountability Reform Now in Schools, was passed by the Arkansas Legislature and signed by Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders in April 2023². It aims to improve student achievement, teacher quality, school accountability, and parental choice³.
• - Some of the main provisions of the LEARNS Act are³:

•     - Creating a statewide student assessment system that aligns with national standards and measures college and career readiness.
•     - Establishing a teacher evaluation system that is based on multiple measures, including student growth, classroom observations, and student surveys.
•     - Requiring all public schools to adopt an evidence-based curriculum and instructional materials that are aligned with the state standards and assessments.
•     - Expanding school choice options by allowing open enrollment across district boundaries, creating a statewide charter school authorizer, and providing scholarships for low-income students to attend private schools.
•     - Creating a school grading system that assigns A-F letter grades to schools based on student performance, growth, and other indicators.
•     - Implementing a school improvement process that identifies low-performing schools and provides them with interventions and supports.
• - CAPES argues that the LEARNS Act is an attack on public education that will harm students, teachers, and communities¹. They claim that the law will⁴:
•     - Undermine local control and democracy by taking away the power of elected school boards and giving it to unelected bureaucrats and private entities.
•     - Reduce funding and resources for public schools by diverting public money to private schools and charter schools that are not accountable to the public.
•     - Increase standardized testing and teaching to the test by imposing a one-size-fits-all approach that ignores the diversity and needs of students and teachers.
•     - Lower the quality and professionalism of teachers by eliminating due process rights, collective bargaining rights, and salary schedules.
•     - Create a system of winners and losers by labeling schools with letter grades that do not reflect the true quality of education or the challenges faced by students and teachers.
• - CAPES launched a petition campaign to put the LEARNS Act on the ballot for a referendum in November 2024⁵. They need to collect at least 54,422 signatures from registered voters by July 31, 2023 to qualify for the ballot⁶. They also need to meet a new requirement that mandates signatures from at least 50 counties across the state⁷.
• - On August 1, 2023, CAPES officials said they were 747 signatures short of the required number, according to their own count². However, on August 2, 2023, they reversed course and claimed they had enough signatures after conducting a digital audit of their petitions⁵. They expect to get a cure period of 30 days to collect more signatures if at least 75% of their signatures are valid².
• - The Arkansas Secretary of State's Office has not yet released an official count of the signatures turned in by CAPES². If CAPES succeeds in getting their petition on the ballot, it will be the first referendum on a state law since 1994⁷.

 Bing, 8/3/2023

(1) Citizens for Arkansas Public Education and Students - Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/people/Citizens-for-Arkansas-Public-Education-and-Students/100091848698112/.

(2) CAPES officials come up short in effort to put LEARNS Act to referendum. https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2023/aug/01/capes-officials-come-up-short-in-effort-to-put/.

(3) A Citizen’s guide to ArkAnsAs publiC sChool finAnCing. http://www.aradvocates.org/wp-content/uploads/Citizens-Guide-to-Public-Education-Press-Quality.pdf.

(4) Citizens for Arkansas Public Education & Students on Twitter. https://twitter.com/arkcapes/status/1647087018281672709.

(5) Arkansas LEARNS repeal group, in reversal, claims it gathered enough .... https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/local-regional-news/2023-08-02/arkansas-learns-repeal-group-in-reversal-claims-it-gathered-enough-signatures-for-ballot-effort.

(6) Group says it fell short of signatures needed to get LEARNS Act on 2024 ballot. https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2023/jul/31/only-hours-away-from-deadline-group-pushing-to-get-learns-act-on-ballot-short-of-number-of-signatures-needed/.

(7) In bid to put LEARNS Act on ballot, petition gatherers face uphill climb. https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2023/jul/23/in-bid-to-put-learns-act-on-ballot-petition/.

(8) CAPES claims enough signatures for Arkansas LEARNS Act referendum. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/capes-claims-enough-signatures-for-arkansas-learns-act-referendum/ar-AA1eEt0l.

(9) Ballot language for a proposed referendum to repeal the LEARNS Act .... https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2023/may/12/ballot-language-for-a-proposed-referendum-to/.

CRT LAWSUIT: PARENTS STUDENTS AND TEACHERS SAY YOU CAN'T BAN THE TRUTH IN CALIFORNIA

CRT LAWSUIT: PARENTS STUDENTS AND TEACHERS SAY YOU CAN'T BAN THE TRUTH IN CALIFORNIA

In a shocking turn of events, a coalition of parents, students, teachers, and a union representing public education officials in Temecula, California have come together to say "Hell no!" to the ban on critical race theory (CRT) in their schools. Their message is clear: just teach the truth and let the chips fall where they may.

The Temecula Valley Unified School District's CRT ban has caused quite a stir, with a lawsuit being filed against the district for creating a hostile school environment. But what is CRT, you ask? Well, it's a body of legal scholarship that examines the intersection of race and law in the United States. It argues that racism is not simply the product of individual prejudice, but is also embedded in legal systems and institutions. Some people argue that it is necessary to understand the role of racism in American society, while others argue that it is divisive and harmful. 

The TVUSD passed a resolution banning the teaching of CRT and "doctrines derived from Critical Race Theory" in December 2022. The resolution defines CRT as "the view that racism and disparate racial outcomes are the result of conscious or unconscious actions and policies of individuals and institutions that maintain the existing power structure." It also states that CRT "promotes the idea that the United States is a fundamentally racist country and that the legal system is inherently racist." 

But this coalition of parents, students, teachers, and union officials are not having it. They believe that the ban is vague and overbroad, resulting in censorship of teachers and suppression of student speech. They argue that the resolution violates the California Constitution, the First Amendment, and the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. They also believe that the resolution violates the students' right to an education and their right to receive information. 

If successful, this lawsuit could overturn the TVUSD's ban on CRT and set a precedent for other school districts across the country. But what does this mean for the teaching of CRT in public schools? Will teachers be hesitant to discuss the topic for fear of legal repercussions? Only time will tell.

In the meantime, let's take a moment to appreciate the absurdity of this situation. A ban on critical race theory in California? It's like banning sunshine in Florida or banning cheese in Wisconsin. It just doesn't make sense. 

But fear not, dear readers. This coalition is here to fight for what's right. They believe that teaching the truth about racism and its impact on our society is essential for creating a better future. And if that means challenging a ridiculous ban on critical race theory, then so be it. 

In conclusion, let's all take a deep breath, have a good laugh at this absurdity, and remember that sometimes the truth can be uncomfortable. But discomfort is necessary for growth. So let's embrace it, learn from it, and move forward together. And who knows? Maybe one day we'll look back on this moment and laugh at how silly it all was.

Temecula Valley Unified CRT ban has created a hostile school environment, lawsuit says https://edsource.org/2023/temecula-valley-unified-crt-ban-has-created-a-hostile-school-environment-lawsuit-says/695080 

Temecula school board: California school district at center of earlier controversy is sued over critical race theory ban | CNN https://www.cnn.com/2023/08/03/us/temecula-california-school-board-crt-ban/index.html 

Big Education Ape: GOV. NEWSOM SAYS 'HELL NO' TO MAGA TEXTBOOK BANS https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/07/gov-newsom-says-hell-no-to-maga.html 

Big Education Ape: WTF: DON'T SAY HARVEY MILK? #PrideMonth 🌈 #Pride2023 🌈 #tbats #edchat #K12 #learning https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/06/wtf-dont-say-harvey-milk-pridemonth.html 

THE DEFT DIVE

FROM BARD AI

The lawsuit against the Temecula Valley Unified School District for its critical race theory ban:

What is critical race theory?

Critical race theory (CRT) is a body of legal scholarship that examines the intersection of race and law in the United States. It argues that racism is not simply the product of individual prejudice, but is also embedded in legal systems and institutions. CRT has been the subject of much debate in recent years, with some people arguing that it is necessary to understand the role of racism in American society, while others argue that it is divisive and harmful.

What is the Temecula Valley Unified School District's critical race theory ban?

In December 2022, the Temecula Valley Unified School District (TVUSD) passed a resolution banning the teaching of critical race theory and "doctrines derived from Critical Race Theory." The resolution defines CRT as "the view that racism and disparate racial outcomes are the result of conscious or unconscious actions and policies of individuals and institutions that maintain the existing power structure." It also states that CRT "promotes the idea that the United States is a fundamentally racist country and that the legal system is inherently racist."

What is the lawsuit alleging?

The lawsuit, which was filed in Riverside Superior Court on behalf of seven students, three teachers, and the TVUSD teachers union, alleges that the resolution violates the California Constitution, the First Amendment, and the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. The plaintiffs argue that the resolution is vague and overbroad, and that it has resulted in the censorship of teachers and the suppression of student speech. They also argue that the resolution violates the students' right to an education and their right to receive information.

What is the potential impact of the lawsuit?

The lawsuit could have a significant impact on the debate over critical race theory in public schools. If the plaintiffs are successful, it could overturn the TVUSD's ban on CRT and set a precedent for other school districts across the country. The lawsuit could also have a chilling effect on the teaching of CRT in public schools, as teachers may be hesitant to discuss the topic for fear of legal repercussions.

What is the current status of the lawsuit?

The lawsuit is still in its early stages. The plaintiffs have filed a motion for a preliminary injunction, which would prevent the TVUSD from enforcing the resolution while the case is pending. A hearing on the motion is scheduled for August 22, 2023.

The lawsuit against the TVUSD is just one of many lawsuits that have been filed challenging critical race theory bans in public schools. These lawsuits are likely to continue as the debate over CRT in public schools intensifies.

FROM BING AI

Critical race theory is a complex and controversial academic framework that examines how systemic racism and power structures shape society and institutions. It is not part of the official curriculum in California public schools, but some educators may use it as a lens to analyze historical and current events.

The Temecula Valley Unified School District, located in Riverside County, California, adopted a resolution in December 2022 that bans the teaching of critical race theory and any related doctrines in its schools. The resolution states that critical race theory is "a divisive ideology that assigns moral fault to individuals solely on the basis of an individual's race and, therefore, is itself a racist ideology."¹

The resolution also prohibits teachers from discussing topics such as whether the United States was founded to preserve slavery, whether racism is common or endemic in American society, and whether individuals should feel discomfort or guilt because of their race or sex. The resolution allows teachers to teach about critical race theory only if they focus on its flaws and criticisms.¹

A coalition of parents, students, teachers and a union representing public education officials filed a lawsuit against the school board and district on August 2, 2023, challenging the legality and constitutionality of the resolution. The lawsuit claims that the resolution violates the California Education Code, the California Constitution, and the First Amendment rights of teachers and students. The lawsuit also alleges that the resolution creates a hostile and discriminatory environment for students and teachers of color, LGBTQ+ students and teachers, and students and teachers who support anti-racism education.²³⁴

The lawsuit seeks to declare the resolution unconstitutional and invalid, and to enjoin the school board from enforcing or implementing it. The lawsuit also seeks damages, attorney's fees, and costs for the plaintiffs.²³⁴

The school board has not yet responded to the lawsuit or issued a public statement about it. The case is pending in the Riverside County Superior Court.⁵

 Bing, 8/3/2023

(1) Southern California school board sued for critical race theory ban. https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2023/08/03/temecula-school-board-sued-for-critical-race-theory-ban/.

(2) California school district at center of earlier controversy is sued over critical race theory ban. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/other/california-school-district-at-center-of-earlier-controversy-is-sued-over-critical-race-theory-ban/ar-AA1eIUOl.

(3) Temecula school district board sued over ban on teaching of critical race theory. https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/temecula-school-district-board-sued-over-ban-on-teaching-of-critical-race-theory/3199116/.

(4) Temecula school board: California school district at center of earlier .... https://www.cnn.com/2023/08/03/us/temecula-california-school-board-crt-ban/index.html.

(5) Temecula Valley Unified CRT ban has created a hostile school .... https://edsource.org/2023/temecula-valley-unified-crt-ban-has-created-a-hostile-school-environment-lawsuit-says/695080.

(6) Temecula school district sued over its ban of critical race theory. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/public-counsel-sues-temecula-school-district-over-its-ban-of-critical-race-theory/ar-AA1eHBRb.

(7) Temecula school district facing lawsuit over ban on critical race theory. https://abc7.com/temecula-valley-unified-school-district-riverside-county-critical-race-theory/13588886/.