BILL ANALYSIS �
ACR 154
Page A
CONCURRENCE IN SENATE AMENDMENTS
ACR 154 (Gray)
As Amended August 6, 2014
Majority vote
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|ASSEMBLY: |77-0 |(June 16, 2014) |SENATE: |33-0 |(August 7, |
| | | | | |2014) |
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Original Committee Reference: ED.
SUMMARY : Acknowledges the Modesto City Schools' initiative and
achievement in teaching the unique World Geography-World
Religions course as a grade 9 requirement and would recommend
that this course be considered for adoption by other school
districts in the state.
The Senate amendments change the phrase "World Geography-World
Religion class" to "World Geography-World Religions class" and
makes a technical amendment.
EXISTING LAW :
1)Requires local governing boards to adopt a course of study for
grades 7-12 that offers courses in social sciences that
includes instruction in geography and in eastern and western
cultures and civilizations.
2)Permits local governing boards to adopt other courses of
study.
3)Requires a pupil to complete three courses in social studies,
including one course a course in world history, culture, and
geography, in order to be eligible to receive a high school
diploma.
4)Permits local governing boards to adopt additional
requirements for graduation.
FISCAL EFFECT : None. This resolution is keyed non-fiscal by
ACR 154
Page B
the Legislative Counsel.
COMMENTS : Since the September 11, 2001 attacks (9/11), members
of the Sikh community have suffered numerous instances of
discrimination and religious attacks. According to the Sikh
Coalition (Coalition), which promotes the rights of Sikhs in the
United States, around 700 cases of violence and discrimination
against Sikhs have been reported since 9/11<1>. On August 5,
2012, several Sikhs in Oak Creek, Wisconsin were killed after
their gurdwara was attacked. On April 11, 2011, two Sikhs were
killed in Elk Grove, California as they went for an afternoon
walk. A 2010 survey by the Coalition revealed that 69% of
turban-wearing Sikh students living in the San Francisco area
say they have been bullied because of the way they look.<2>
This resolution speaks directly to the course in the Modesto
City School District which is offered as a part of a safe school
policy that was crafted to create a safe and comfortable
environment for all of its students.
Analysis Prepared by : Jill Rice / ED. / (916) 319-2087 FN:
0004461
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<1>
http://blogs.wsj.com/indiarealtime/2012/08/06/qa-how-wisconsin-at
tack-will-affect-the-sikh-community-in-u-s/ . Accessed on June
3, 2014.
<2> http://www.sikhcoalition.org/our-programs/advocacy/bullying .
Accessed on June 3, 2014.