Fitting Tribute
As America paused to honor those who died on September 11, 2001 as a result of international terrorism, Gov. Gray Davis and teacher representatives took a major step in the battle against the kind of hatred and intolerance that spawned those acts of violence.
Backed by CTA and other pro-education organizations, Gov. Davis on September 11 signed into law AB 1250, a CTA-supported measure by Assembly Member John Laird (D-Santa Cruz) that will add staff development in the prevention of hate and intolerance to the list of items that can be the subject of already authorized staff development.
CTA Board Member Paula Caplinger represented the Association at the bill signing, which took place in the governor's office.
The governor's signing of the measure came within the last week of the 2003 legislative year.
AB 1250 defines staff development designed to prevent hate and intolerance to be one of those expenses for which districts can be reimbursed under the Instructional Time and Staff Development program.
CTA supported AB 1250 - and commended Assembly Member Laird for championing it - because of the Association's firm belief that all students have the right to participate fully in the educational process free from discrimination and harassment.
AB 1250 is one of a number of measures backed by CTA that aim to educate youngsters against hatred and bias in any of its forms.