News & Commentary

Abstinence-only sex education has been illegal in California for years. But some schools are still failing to teach sex ed, or are teaching a version of sex ed that spreads misinformation and is based in fear and stigma.

When police officers replace school administrators as disciplinarians, the results are often disastrous, especially for students of color, low-income students, and students with disabilities. Police presence on campus contributes to the school-to-prison pipeline that pushes thousands of youth out of the classroom and into the criminal justice system

With a new school year comes new experiences, new choices, and new opportunities. One is the opportunity to make sure you and your friends have the information you need to help navigate the different decisions that may come up in your life. Some of the most important decisions you may face are around your reproductive and sexual health, and if you’re a young person in California, you have the rights and resources to get the health care you need.

There are some things you won't be able to avoid when the new school year starts up. Homework. Pop quizzes. Final exams.

Over the past decade, advocates have pushed state and local education agencies to collect and release data on how students are treated in their schools and justice systems.

Equal and fair treatment of students isn't something that can be taken for granted. It must be monitored. Data advocacy has long been a part of civil rights work, whether in the arenas of housing, employment, or education.

Education Secretary Betsy DeVos recently referred to opponents of vouchers as “flat Earthers” who have “chilled creativity” in the education system.

Students on yearbook staff wrote an article about Black Lives Matter. When their principal rejected it, they knew it was time to speak up for their rights. Students have a right to free speech and expression at school. This includes political speech, cultural expression, and speech that a school district may preemptively feel is controversial. 

It’s essential for people to be able to communicate about issues that they care about. That’s why it's alarming that AB 165 has been introduced in the CA Legislature that would gut essential protections in public schools.