ZIONIST ORGANIZATION OF AMERICA ACTION ALERT Action Alert: Sign Petition to Stop Deceitful Campaign to Circumvent CA Ethnic Studies Revision Process In the summer of 2019, the Zionist Organization of America (ZOA) and others wrote to the California Department of Education condemning a proposed Ethnic Studies Model Curriculum (ESMC) that was, among other problems, antisemitic and anti-Israel. Fortunately, the California Board of Education listened. It rejected the draft ESMC, determining that it “falls short and needs to be substantially revised.” In a statement, California Board of Education leaders explained, “Ethnic studies can be an important tool to improve school climate and increase our understanding of one another. A model curriculum should be accurate, free of bias, appropriate for all learners in our diverse state, and align with Governor Newsom’s vision of a California for all.” They committed to developing a new draft ethnic studies curriculum for review and approval, which “aligns to California’s values.” While the revision process has been underway, former members of the original ESMC Advisory Committee are conducting a deceptive campaign to circumvent the process. They are trying to get the deeply problematic first draft of the ESMC implemented in California schools with as little oversight as possible. These former members – who call themselves “Save CA Ethnic Studies” – have tried to take advantage of state and local education officials’ focus on addressing the coronavirus crisis to get school boards throughout the state to rubber-stamp a resolution that “affirms support of the California Ethnic Studies Model Draft” and “support[s] the work of the Save CA Ethnic Studies Coalition.” School board members who are being asked to vote on the resolution are not shown the original draft curriculum. They are not informed about all the criticism it provoked from the ZOA and many others, or that a process to redesign the curriculum is underway. The ZOA is part of a coalition of organizations that is calling on the California Board of Education president to issue a statement urging district school board members to wait until the revision process is completed before they affirm support for the ESMC or consider whether and how it should be implemented in their respective districts. The California Board of Education should also hear from members of the public – particularly California residents – who share our concern about this unscrupulous campaign to undermine the revision process. We urge you to sign a petition addressed to the Board of Education president, which you will find here: [link removed] The petition will be submitted to the Board president this Thursday, so please sign it as soon as possible. Thank you for your advocacy and support! See The News Release On Our Website Act Now: Sign Petition to Stop Deceitful Campaign to Circumvent CA Ethnic Studies Revision Process Read More ‌ ‌ ‌ About Us News Videos ZOA Report Events Founded in 1897, ZOA played a key role in the Jewish State's re-establishment. Today, ZOA is the leading major American Jewish organization courageously defending Israel and the Jewish people; fighting against all forms of antisemitism, including anti-Jewish boycotts; and promoting the Jewish people's lawful right to live in and settle historic Jewish lands. ZOA exposes that a Palestinian state would endanger Israel's existence; presents the facts about the Arab/Islamic war against Israel; and combats the anti-Israel lie that Israel is an "occupier" of her own land. ZOA spearheaded long battles to move the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem, and apply civil rights protections to Jewish students. ZOA provides free legal assistance and programs to pro-Israel students at numerous college campuses. ZOA's bold, unapologetic voice has a significant impact on public discourse and policy. DONATE NOW Copyright © Zionist Organization of America 2020, All rights reserved. Zionist Organization of America | 633 Third Ave, 31 B, New York, NY 10017 Unsubscribe [email protected] Update Profile | About Constant Contact Sent by [email protected] in collaboration with Try email marketing for free today!