California Bans Book Bans and Textbook Censorship in Schools
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SACRAMENTO ~ Today, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 1078 (AB 1078) into law, banning book bans and textbook censorship in California's 10,000+ schools. The bill was introduced by Assemblymember Dr. Corey Jackson (D-Moreno Valley).

The new law prohibits school boards from banning instructional materials or library books on the basis that they provide inclusive and diverse perspectives in compliance with state law. It also gives the Superintendent of Public Instruction the authority to buy textbooks for students in a school district, recoup costs, and assess a financial penalty if a school board willfully chooses to not provide sufficient standards-aligned instructional materials for students.

Governor Newsom said of the new law: "From Temecula to Tallahassee, fringe ideologues across the country are attempting to whitewash history and ban books from schools. With this new law, we're cementing California's role as the true freedom state: a place where families — not political fanatics — have the freedom to decide what's right for them."

First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom added: "When we restrict access to books in school that properly reflect our nation's history and unique voices, we eliminate the mirror in which young people see themselves reflected, and we eradicate the window in which young people can comprehend the unique experiences of others. In short, book bans harm all children and youth, diminishing communal empathy and serving to further engender intolerance and division across society. We Californians believe all children must have the freedom to learn about the world around them and this new law is a critical step in protecting this right."

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Assemblymember Dr. Corey Jackson said: "It is the responsibility of every generation to continue the fight for civil and human rights against those who seek to take them away. Today, California has met this historical imperative and we will be ready to meet the next one."

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond commented: "AB 1078 sends a strong signal to the people of California — but also to every American — that in the Golden State — we don't ban books — we cherish them." He added that "this law will serve as a model for the nation that California recognizes and understands the moment we are in – and while some want to roll back the clock on progress, we are doubling down on forward motion."

The signing of AB 1078 is part of Governor Newsom's Family Agenda which seeks to promote educational freedom and success by providing parents with more opportunities for active participation in their children's education. In addition, California has made tens of billions of dollars worth of strategic investments into improving education outcomes such as literacy over other states like Florida or Texas during pandemic times.

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