HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 05231989 - 1.43 -043 3
TO:" Board of Supervisors
FROM: Phil Batchelor, County Administrator
S�------ ---
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DATE: May 18, 1989
SUBJECT: LEGISLATION: SB 1357 (Torres)
Specific Request(s) or Recommendations(s) & Background & Justification
RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt a position in SUPPORT of SB 1357 by Senator Art Torres which would establish a
comprehensive hate/violence reduction program in the public schools in grades K-12.
BACKGROUND:
On May 9, 1989 the Board of Supervisors referred to this office a request from the Human Relations
Commission that the Board of Supervisors indicate its support for SB 1357 by Senator Art Torres.
SB 1357, as amended May 1, 1989, would do the following:
1. Adopt Legislative findings to the effect that there is an urgent need to examine acts of hate
violence which are occurring in the public schools. In addition, the bill finds that there is a
need to address the growing problem of acts of hate violence in which students are involved
and that education is the most effective and appropriate means to reduce intolerance,bigotry
and harassment.
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CONTINUED ON ATTACHMENT: YES SIGNATURE:
Recommendation of County Administrator Recommendation of Board Committee
Approve Other:
Signature(s):
_ �'&� /�, Z&
Action of Board on: May 23, 1989 Approved as Recommended Other
Vote of Su ervisors
I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THIS IS A TRUE AND
Unanimous(Absent ) CORRECT COPY OF AN ACTION TAKEN AND
Ayes: Noes: ENTERED ON HE MINUTES OF THE BOARD
Absent: Abstain: OF SUPERVISORS ON DATE SHOWN.
cc: County Administrator ATTESTED MAY 23 1989
County Superintendent of Schools PHIL BATCHELOR,CLERK OF THE BOARD
Executive Director,Human Relations Commission SUPERVISORS AND COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR
Senator Torres
Deputy Clerk
clvm:eh(SB 1357bo)
Les Spahnn,Jackson/Barish&Associates BY: ,
•
2. Require the State Board of Educationto adoptpolicies which will create a school environment
which is free from discriminatory attitudes and acts of hate violence. In addition, the Board
would be directed to adopt curriculum guidelines forethnic study and human relations courses
which are designed to integrate these courses into existing lessons. Also, the Board would
be required to establish guidelines in teacher and administrator training courses designed to
promote an appreciation of racial and ethnic diversity and discourage discriminatory attitudes
and practices. The Board would also be required to adopt guidelines for establishing a hate
violence reporting system and to establish programs to raise the awareness of school
employees to potentially discriminatory behavior.
3. Require the State Board of Education to establish a broadly representative California Schools
Human Rights Commission which would adopt policies to promote peaceful and harmonious
school environments which would be accepting of all persons, regardless of race, ethnic
background,religion, sex,disability or sexual orientation and which are designed to prevent
and respond to acts of hate violence.
4. Spell out the areas in which the Commission is to make recommendations to the State Board
of Education and require a report from the Commission to the State Board of Education and
the Legislature within one year of its initial meeting.
5. Require teachers to impress on the minds of pupils the meaning of equality and human dignity.
6. Add to the grounds for suspension or expulsion from school causing, attempting to cause,
threatening to cause or participating in an act of hate violence.
7. Require that criminal incident forms completed by schools include information as to whether
the crime involved an act of hate violence.
8. Repeal its provisions on January 1, 1992.
Based on the Board's past support for programs which would address hate violence crimes in the
County and the fact that the Board has authorized the development of a model hate violence
prevention program in this County, it appears appropriate for the Board to indicate its support of
SB 1357.