Pupil instruction: treatment of African Americans.

Senator Richardson's proposal to expand California's history-social science curriculum would require the Instructional Quality Commission to consider incorporating content about African Americans' experiences and contributions during three key periods: the Spanish colonization of California, the Gold Rush Era, and the Antebellum period. The proposed curriculum additions would specifically address discriminatory laws, barriers to land ownership, and African Americans' efforts to establish economic and social stability in California.

The measure builds upon existing requirements for the Commission to evaluate content about various cultural and historical experiences, including those of Native Americans, Asian Americans, and other groups, when revising curriculum frameworks or adopting new instructional materials. If enacted, the Commission would begin considering these African American historical content additions for any curriculum framework revisions or new instructional materials adopted after January 1, 2026.