West OC Times

Mar 25 2024

The historic Mendez v. Westminster case, which set the precedent for nationwide school desegregation, is one step closer to being included in California textbooks thanks to Assemblyman Ta's efforts. Assemblyman Ta's bill, AB 1805, passed unanimously out of the Assembly Education Committee, ensuring that California students will learn about this landmark civil rights case.

Assemblyman Ta expressed his gratitude for the bipartisan support received for the bill, stating, “It was an honor to present AB 1805 alongside Sylvia Mendez and Sandra Mendez Duran, the children of Gonzalo and Felicitas Mendez.” He added, “The bipartisan outpouring of support for this effort was truly humbling, and I look forward to this bill advancing and seeing this important civil rights case taught across California schools.”

The children of Gonzalo and Felicitas Mendez, Sylvia Mendez and Sandra Mendez Duran, also shared their excitement about the bill's progress, saying, “Our family is thrilled to see AB 1805 advance out of the Assembly Education Committee.” They emphasized the importance of the legislation in helping students understand the impact of Mendez v. Westminster on California and American history.

AB 1805, co-authored by a bipartisan coalition of legislators, has garnered support from various organizations including the California Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the California Charter Schools Association, the California State PTA, the California Federation of Teachers, and several school districts and cities across the state. The bill will now move forward to the Assembly Appropriations Committee for further consideration.