We had written material to present that I had prepared and we also had material from Pattie Fong (Davis Asians for Racial Equality), from Richard Estes (Yolo Citizens for Affirmative Action), and from Richard Livingston. These items were given to the board members present (7 of them, 3 absent). Robert Trigg, former Davis and Elk Grove sup. of schools was chairing the meeting, as Yvonne Larsen was absent.
We had 7 persons give testimony, 4 Asian-Americans, myself, and two Caucasians. We also got support from an Italian-American man and the two Mexican-American parents mentioned above.
Among the powerful presenters were attorney Jerry Chong, Sacramento Schools representative Richard Fong, and Grace Kim of DARE. Basically, our success was due to the Asian-American community of Sacra and Davis getting organized. I believe that we had the board's attention and that phone calls and letters to Trigg, Gerti Thomas, and Marina Tse will be well worth the effort.
The disappointing part was the total absence of African-American speakers, professional or lay, as well as the total absence of any Mexican-American or Latino professionals, academics, lawyers, etc. No students were there either.
Also absent were any women/feminist organization speakers. No NOW, League of Women Voters, AmerAssoc of Univ Women etc. all silent.
Considering the crucial importance of the curriculum issue for women and non-whites, as well as for non-Anglo whites, the lack of professional voices was sad.
Also it was sad that MALDEF,NAACP, ACLU (except for Yolo County) and other organizations which should have been there, were absent.
I guess that this is a sign of the times. This is why the right-wing is winning on so many fronts.
We still have until the October board meeting. So it is important to get letters and phone calls to the board members. Kimberly Yee at the SBE seems very nice and perhaps packets can be sent to her for distribution to the board members. I gave out phone numbers and addresses in an earlier note. Also Isao Fujimoto forwarded to you the phone numbers last week and Ed Chen sent them around to many of you. But you can call the board in Sacra if in doubt.
It is also important to contact all Chicana/o, Black, and progressive members of the legislature to ask them to call the SBE on this issue. Also Delaine Eastin could be asked to end her silence and to unleash her staff.