Not going to let DeVos silence CA students

Dear Friend,

There are a lot of things that I’m going to do as Superintendent of Public Instruction, from expanding computer science programs to investing in school-based mental health services.

Here’s what I’m not going to do: I am not going to let Betsy DeVos silence California students.  

While DeVos plans to shut down the Federal Office for English-Language Learners, I’m fighting for more resources for bilingual education.  This week my bill 2514, which provides millions to school districts to invest in bilingual programs, passed in the state legislature and is headed to the Governor’s desk.

While DeVos dismisses civil rights for transgender students, I’m fighting to protect our LGBTQ students.  My bill AB 2153, which provides resources to train educators on how to support LGBTQ students, is also on its way to being signed into law by the Governor!

And when DeVos proposed using federal education funding to arm teachers, I said: not in our schools.  Next week I’m hosting a public forum to hear from experts why gun violence occurs in schools and what real solutions we can pursue to keep our kids safe.  Click here to learn more about how you can attend or watch a livestream of our School Safety Public Forum in Oakland on Thursday, September 6.

DeVos has proposed many harmful policies, but we are fighting back in the great state of California.  I’ll continue to protect public education and the central mission of public education: serving all kids. Are you with me?

Thank you,

Tony Thurmond