California’s Educators Reflect on 25 Years Beyond Proposition 187
Contact Gabriella Landeros at 323-406-3270 or Claudia Briggs at 916-296-4087
BURLINGAME – Twenty-five years have passed since California voters approved the anti-immigrant ballot measure Proposition 187, known as the Save Our State initiative. On this anniversary, California’s educators reflect on the history of legislation affecting immigrants’ education, as well as California’s transformation into one of the most pro-immigrant states today.
Prop. 187 sparked a movement that fired up generations of disenfranchised immigrants, emboldening activists to fight an unjust system and make their voices heard. Students organized massive walkouts, unions organized hundreds of thousands of Latino and Asian workers, and union leaders of today were born in the crucible of the fight. Prop. 187 united California’s educators and disenfranchised communities like never before as part of the counter-campaign, “Caring for Kids.”
“While Prop. 187 sparked an outcry of hate and fear, California’s educators remained strong and vigilant,” said CTA President E. Toby Boyd. “It is a lesson in history we reflect on, because it was at this moment that people from all backgrounds united to fight xenophobia and anti-immigrant policies. And it is this same spirit that fuels our policies of diversity, equity, and inclusivity today.”
On this day three years ago, CTA campaigned heavily for Prop. 58, the LEARN (Language Education, Acquisition and Readiness Now) initiative, which was passed by 74 percent of California voters. It required school districts to solicit parent and community input in developing language acquisition programs, required instruction to ensure English acquisition as rapidly and effectively as possible, and authorized school districts to establish dual-language immersion programs for both native and non-native English speakers.
Download CTA’s guidelines for implementing Prop. 58.
“Our work is far from over, but we are committed to continuing the hard work it will take to break down the barriers that divide our communities and keep all students from the quality education they need and deserve,” said Boyd.
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