California Assembly Bill AB945

California 2021-2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/17/21
• Refer: 3/25/21
• Report Pass: 3/25/21
• Refer: 3/26/21
• Report Pass: 4/8/21
• Refer: 4/8/21
• Report Pass: 4/20/21
• Refer: 4/20/21
• Refer: 4/28/21
• Report Pass: 5/20/21
• Engrossed: 6/3/21
• Refer: 6/7/21
• Refer: 6/16/21
• Report Pass: 6/23/21
• Refer: 6/23/21
• Report Pass: 6/25/21
• Refer: 6/25/21
• Report Pass: 7/7/21
• Refer: 7/7/21
• Refer: 8/16/21
• Report Pass: 8/26/21
• Enrolled: 9/7/21
• Chaptered: 9/24/21
• Passed: 9/24/21

Caption

Pupils: adornments at school graduation ceremonies: task force.

Impact

The establishment of this task force signifies a commitment to safeguarding the cultural rights of Native American students within the educational framework of California. By addressing ongoing complaints regarding non-compliance with existing laws that allow students to wear traditional adornments, AB 945 aims to foster an inclusive environment during significant milestones, such as graduation ceremonies. The input from the task force is expected to enhance educational policies and practices concerning cultural expressions, particularly for Native American students.

Summary

Assembly Bill 945, authored by Assemblymember Ramos, establishes a task force focused on the rights of pupils to wear traditional tribal regalia or recognized items of cultural significance at school graduation ceremonies. This bill builds upon existing laws that protect such practices but seeks to ensure comprehensive implementation through the guidance of the newly formed task force. The task force will consist of ten members, predominantly representing California Native American tribes, aimed at gathering insights on the challenges related to this issue and providing actionable recommendations to the legislature.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding AB 945 is positive, reflecting a recognition of the importance of cultural identity in educational settings. Supporters view the bill as a crucial step towards ensuring that students can celebrate their heritage without fear of discrimination or exclusion. Nonetheless, there are concerns regarding the effectiveness of the task force in enacting meaningful change and whether it will lead to improved compliance across various school districts.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the ongoing reports of resistance from certain school districts against allowing Native American students to wear traditional regalia at graduations. These reports suggest a gap between the legal protections established and their actual enforcement in schools. As the task force convenes, it will need to address these concerns directly, ensuring that the rights enshrined in law translate into practice at local levels.