Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1500904
The FAIR Education Act Signed into California law in 2011, the FAIR Education Act amended California Education Code to include the Fair, Accurate, Inclusive and Respectful reference to contributions by people with disabilities and mem- bers of the LGBTQ+ community in history and social studies curriculum. The FAIR Act ensures that historical contributions of people who identify as LGBTQ+ are accurately and fairly portrayed in instructional materials by adding them to the list of under-represented cultural and ethnic groups included in the state's inclusionary education requirements. FAIR Act protections include the prohibition of instruction or activities that promote discrimination on the basis of gender identity or sexual orientation. Textbooks and instructional materials that reflect adversely on people who are LGBTQ+ are expressly prohibited, while all materials must accurately portray the cultural and racial diversity of society, and include contributions in all types of roles to the development of California and the United States. California Education Code 233.5 — Teachers' Duties "(a) Each teacher shall endeavor to impress upon the minds of the pupils the principles of morality, truth, justice, patriotism, and a true comprehension of the rights, duties, and dignity of American citizenship, and the meaning of equality and human dignity, including the promotion of harmonious relations, kindness toward domestic pets and the humane treatment of living creatures, to teach them to avoid idleness, profanity, and falsehood, and to instruct them in manners and morals and the principles of a free government. (b) Each teacher is also encouraged to create and foster an environment that encourages pupils to realize their full potential and that is free from discriminatory attitudes, practices, events, or activities, in order to prevent acts of hate violence …" classroom — those students have a 40% reduced suicide ri sk with even one supportive adult in their lives, which is why educator allies are so important. "Our students are still figuring out who they are, and we can be the neutral, accepting party on their journey," says Gregor y (she, her). "As educators, we have the unique privilege to be able to help society adapt to a changing world where we are more inclusive and celebrate people as they are." Suppor t and training are al so available through the CTA Human Rights Cadre, comprised of edu- cators who are passionate about broadening and developing the racial and social justice perspec- tives of other CTA members. Shannon says getting involved with the Human Rights Cadre helped him find his voice and connect with like-minded members to share information, support educa- tors statewide and help students. He recommended educators look to their local associations and CTA for assistance when working to create inclusive schools that value all students. "Don't give up. Be who you are. Be the voice in your district," Shannon says. "I tell anyone who is dealing with race or LGBTQ+ issues, get involved with CTA — it will help you grow." A display in Erica Nuss' classroom; she also often discusses tolerance topics with her students. 23 J U N E / J U L Y 2 0 2 3 "I want to make sure my students see themselves in the curriculum." —Erica Nuss, Westside Union Teachers Association