California Attorney General Rob Bonta has issued a statement following the California Fourth District Court of Appeal's decision to partially reverse a previous order by the Riverside County Superior Court. The order had denied a preliminary injunction against the Temecula Valley School District (TVUSD) Board of Trustees' Curriculum Resolution and Forced Outing Policy. The appellate court instructed that a preliminary injunction be entered concerning the Curriculum Resolution.
The court determined that the Curriculum Resolution was unconstitutionally vague, noting that its language "is ambiguous, lacks clear definitions, is unclear in scope, is seemingly irreconcilable with state-mandated educational requirements, and contains no enforcement guidelines." This resolution had imposed wide restrictions on curricular content and discussions related to history and current events. It included provisions that could potentially prohibit lessons on Jim Crow laws, segregation, racial inequalities in the criminal justice system, and the civil rights movement.
Regarding TVUSD’s Forced Outing Policy, the court found this challenge moot as the policy was rescinded by the board in December. Furthermore, AB 1955—which prohibits such policies—is now effective. The court emphasized its expectation for "the Board will act in good faith and follow the law."
In October 2024, Attorney General Bonta submitted an amicus brief urging reversal of the denial for a preliminary injunction. He argued that both TVUSD's Forced Disclosure Policy violated California’s Equal Protection Clause and that their Curriculum Resolution infringed upon students’ rights under California's free speech provision.
Attorney General Bonta stated: “Every student deserves the right to feel seen, valued, and welcome in their learning environment... Education is meant to empower students to think critically... Schools have a responsibility in providing environments where all students can thrive.” He reaffirmed commitment from the California Department of Justice to protect student rights ensuring schools remain inclusive.
A copy of this decision is available for public access.