Zoia Horn Intellectual Freedom Award

• Tony Thurmond, State Superintendent California Department of Education
• Assemblymember Dr. Corey Jackson,  California 60th Assembly District

State Superintendent Tony Thurmond has demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to intellectual freedom through his sponsorship and advocacy of Assembly Bill (AB) 1078, signed into law in September 2023. AB 1078 prohibits "book bans" in schools, ensuring that instructional materials cannot be censored or restricted based on content that promotes inclusion and diversity. This landmark legislation serves as a pivotal defense against efforts to suppress facts, erase history, and hinder progress towards more inclusive education. By ensuring that all students have access to textbooks that reflect California's diverse communities, including Black, Native American, Latinx, Asian American and Pacific Islander, LGBTQ+ students, and those with disabilities, AB 1078 reinforces the fundamental right to knowledge and education.

“AB 1078 sends a strong signal to the people of California — but also to every American — that in the Golden State, we don’t ban books — we cherish them,” said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond. “This law will serve as a model for the nation that California recognizes and understands the moment we are in – and while some want to roll back the clock on progress, we are doubling down on forward motion. Rather than limiting access to education and flat out banning books like other states, we are embracing and expanding opportunities for knowledge and education, because that’s the California way.”

Superintendent Thurmond's advocacy extends beyond legislative action; he has actively engaged in initiatives to diversify instructional materials and support inclusive education. Earlier this year, he launched a Task Force on Inclusive Education aimed at working with textbook publishers to broaden the perspectives represented in educational content. This proactive approach underscores his dedication to fostering an educational environment where all students feel seen, heard, and valued.

Furthermore, Superintendent Thurmond has supported additional legislative measures, such as AB 5 (Zbur) requiring LGBTQ+ pupil support training in schools, SB 760 (Newman) mandating equitable access to all-gender restrooms, and SB 857 (Laird) establishing an advisory task force to enhance policies supporting LGBTQ+ pupil education and well-being. These initiatives collectively reinforce California's commitment to intellectual freedom by promoting inclusivity, diversity, and equitable access to educational resources.

In a time when educational policies in other states are regressing, Superintendent Thurmond's leadership stands as a beacon of progress and resilience. His unwavering advocacy for intellectual freedom and inclusive education has not only safeguarded the rights of California's students but also set a national precedent for defending the right to access diverse perspectives and knowledge.

Assemblymember Dr. Corey Jackson from CA's 60th district authored AB 1078 and also stood up for intellectual freedom alongside Superintendent Thurmond. "It is the responsibility of every generation to continue the fight for civil and human rights against those who seek to take them away. Today, California has met this historical imperative, and we will be ready to meet the next one," said Dr. Jackson. If the award could be given to two individuals as co-winners, I would nominate Jackson equally alongside Superintendent Thurmond. Both stood as bright beacons of intellectual freedom in a darkening time full of censorship and hate.