CA schools respond to Trump’s repression on diversity programs

The K-12 schools in California receive some clarity on how to deal with the Trump Administration of the Trump Administration for the removal of diversity, justice and inclusion programs.

The answer is: do nothing. Not yet, anyway.

“It’s time to take your breath. Just because Trump has ordered it doesn’t mean Association of School Guards., California school administrators last week. “Executive orders themselves cannot really achieve much … There is a different difference between activity and productivity.”

Last week, the US Department of Education announced that it could refuse funding For every school that has programs focused on the race. This may include clubs, activities, awards, graduation ceremonies “and all other aspects of students’ lives, academic and campus”, “” According to the DirectiveS

“With this guide, the Trump administration directs schools to end the use of racial preferences and racial stereotypes in their programs and activities – victory for justice, civil rights laws and the Constitution,” Craig coach acting assistant civil rights for the education department . He said in a statementS

Schools have until February 28 to end the programs.

A Judge Friday temporarily blocked Some of Trump’s orders are related to diversity, justice and inclusion. The decision does not allow the federal government to reduce funding, but this does not stop him from investigating programs related to school competitions for now.

Almost every high school in California has at least some programs focused on students’ competition. Black, Latin American and Asian student clubs are common, as well as festivities such as the Chinese New Year or son de Mayo. In recent years, more students – especially students from the Indians – have wore ethnic regals until ceremonies or even conduct separate ceremonies.

About 8% of the K-12 funding in California comes from the federal government, mostly as payments for special education and grants for stake I for schools, where at least 40% of the student population is of low income. If the federal money disappears, these schools and students will be most affected.

Prosecutor General Rob Bont said he was reviewing the Directive of the Ministry of Education, but in general he said that Dei programs were legal and schools had the right to promote them.

“This is not the moment to run. The governor will fight, the prosecutor General will fight and we will also fight. “

Angie Barfield, CEO of Black Students from California United

In a Joint message In January, with 12 other major government lawyers, Bont called Trump’s efforts for anti-d “unnecessary and volatile.”

“The administration is aimed at legal policies and programs that are useful to all Americans,” they wrote. “These policies and programs are not only in line with state and federal laws to combat discrimination, they encourage environments in which everyone has the opportunity to succeed.”

Prosecutor General weighs

The State Chief of Public Training Tony Thurmond did not immediately respond to requests for comment, but earlier in February he called on the schools to “remain focused” and not be distracted by Trump’s orders.

“Now is not the time to be distracted by external efforts to humiliate and divide,” writes Mermond to school authorities. “Please continue to maintain the course with local programs that produce results. Now is the time when our students need consistency, support and community more than ever. ”

Some parents were worried at the directive, saying that this would limit their children to other cultures. Katie Walton, a mother of three Indians, said she was worried about how the programs and curriculum of Indians would affect the programs and curriculum, especially a Recently adopted a state law The requirement for schools to teach about the genocide of local Californians during the Spanish and Golden Fast era.

“My husband will teach our children what they need to know, but I’m worried about all the other children who may not receive this information,” said Walton, who lives in Madera County and whose children are part of the northern fork Ranchery of Mon Indians. “It saddens me.”

Angie Barfield, CEO of Black students from California UnitedShe said she was receiving calls from school administrators throughout the country, who are not sure whether to dissolve her campus clubs.

She tells them to “stand firm.”

“This is not the time to run,” Barind said. “The governor will fight, the Prosecutor General will fight and we will also fight.”

Black Student Clubs began decades ago

At least 3000 students from the California high school belong to black student clubs, although their number is probably much more large, Barfield said. The groups date back to the late 1960s, when students in San Francisco began the first student union and spread to high schools and colleges across the country.

Traditionally open to all, clubs give students a chance to socialize, discuss problems and advocate for the needs of black students. Students at the Barfield Organization also go on a college tour, lead youth senate and advocate for students’ health.

“These clubs have a long experience in support of not only black students but all students,” Barfield said. “This order takes us back.”

NG and her colleagues advise school administrators to consult school advice, lawyers and community members to see what their options are and how to react. But, she said, it’s important to stay calm until there is no more reported information from Washington, Colombia County, such as Congress order.

“No matter what the Trump administration is doing, the doors of public schools are still open and the children are still appearing,” NG said. “So leaving is not an option and we have to figure out how to react.”

Ever since he took office in January, Trump made A series of other steps To change public schools, some of which are already moving forward. He swore to dismantle the US Department of Education, to legalize vouchers for parents to use public money to send their children to a private school and to repair Title IX, which prohibits gender -based discrimination.

Earlier this month the so-called Ministry of Government Efficiency Canceled $ 900 million education contractswho paid for examinations of teaching strategies, literacy programs and special educational support, among other services.

Trump also eliminates a law enforcement provision that protects schools, hospitals and other “sensitive places” from immigration. This move has thrown immigrant communities into panic, with parents in some areas They are afraid to send their children to schoolS