Home California Glazer Bill Would Ban Confederate Names on Schools, State and Local Property

Glazer Bill Would Ban Confederate Names on Schools, State and Local Property

by ECT

State Senator Steve Glazer has proposed Senate Bill 539, which would prohibit using the names of Confederate elected and military leaders on state and local property.

According to the Bill, Existing law prohibits the sale or display of the Battle Flag of the Confederacy, as specified, or its image, by the State of California, subject to exceptions serving educational or historical purposes.

This bill would, on and after January 1, 2017, prohibit the use of a name associated with the Confederate States of America to name schools, government buildings, parks, roads, and other state or local property.

Glazer posted the following message on his Facebook page on Sunday:

“I have introduced my first bill and it has created a lot of important conversation. The South Carolina massacre of nine parishioners, including a State Senator, shocked us all – especially because the alleged killer embraced the Confederate battle flag and the philosophy of the Confederacy. I think of my bill as clean up legislation, because while we know that Californians don’t support Confederate values, we still have a few examples in our state where Confederate leaders are recognized as role models on public buildings and streets. We have much to do to reverse the racism that still permeates too many areas in our society; my legislation is a small, but valuable step. It will be heard by the Assembly Judiciary Committee on Tuesday and I hope my legislative colleagues agree.”

The Bill would strip at least two California Schools of the name Robert E. Lee by 2017. The schools are located in Long Beach and San Diego.

Here is a look at the Bill in its current form:

An act to amend the heading of Chapter 2.9 (commencing with Section 8195) of Division 1 of Title 2 of, and to add Section 8197 to, the Government Code, relating to public property.

LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL’S DIGEST

SB 539, as amended, Glazer. Public property: names: Confederate States of America.

(1) Existing law prohibits the sale or display of the Battle Flag of the Confederacy, as specified, or its image, by the State of California, subject to exceptions serving educational or historical purposes.

This bill would, on and after January 1, 2017, prohibit the use of a name associated with the Confederate States of America to name schools, government buildings, parks, roads, and other state or local property. The bill would define a name associated with the Confederate States of America to include, but not be limited to, include the name of an elected leader or a senior military officer of the Confederacy. The bill would require a name associated with the Confederate States of America used to name state or local property prior to January 1, 2017, to be changed and any sign associated with the name to be removed. By increasing the duties of local officials, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The bill would also make a statement of legislative findings and a conforming change.

(2) The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.

This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to these statutory provisions.

Bill Text

The people of the State of California do enact as follows:

SECTION 1.

 The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:

(a) The Confederate States of America’s secessionist movement was rooted in the defense of slavery.

(b) Currently, certain ideological groups use the symbols of this movement to demean and offend whole segments of our society while sowing racial divisions.

(c) The use of names of political leaders and senior military officers of the Confederate States of America to name California public schools, buildings, parks, roadways, and other state and local property is antithetical to California’s mission for racial equality.

(d) California is opposed to enshrining the names of those associated with the Confederate States of America, the secessionist movement, or their discriminatory ideals in our public schools, buildings, parks, roadways, and other state and local property.

(e) California celebrates individuals who represent aspirations for social good, such as Frederick Douglass, one of America’s great historical figures.

(f) Frederick Douglass was an African American social reformer, abolitionist, orator, writer, and statesman. After escaping from slavery, he became a leader of the abolitionist movement, gaining note for his dazzling oratory and incisive antislavery writing, including his famous speech about what the 4th of July meant to slaves.

(g) Frederick Douglass became one of the most famous intellectuals of his time, advising presidents and lecturing to thousands on a range of causes, including women’s rights and Irish home rule. Among Douglass’ writings are several autobiographies eloquently describing his experiences in slavery and his life after the Civil War.

SEC. 2.

 The heading of Chapter 2.9 (commencing with Section 8195) of Division 1 of Title 2 of the Government Code is amended to read:

CHAPTER  2.9. Confederate Symbols The Frederick Douglass Liberty Act

SEC. 3.

 Section 8197 is added to the Government Code, to read:

8197.

 (a) On and after January 1, 2017, a name associated with the Confederate States of America shall not be used to name state or local property. If a name associated with the Confederate States of America is used to name state or local public property prior to January 1, 2017, the name shall be changed and any sign associated with the name shall be removed.

(b) For the purpose of this section, “name associated with the Confederate States of America” includes, but is not limited to, includes the name of an elected leader or a senior military officer of the Confederacy.

SEC. 4.

 If the Commission on State Mandates determines that this act contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement to local agencies and school districts for those costs shall be made pursuant to Part 7 (commencing with Section 17500) of Division 4 of Title 2 of the Government Code.

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9 comments

Dale Jul 13, 2015 - 10:54 am

Is this the best Steve can do for us, like we don’t have so many more important issues to deal with in this State!

Marty Fernandez Jul 13, 2015 - 11:16 am

This is not a priority for me. I would like to see Mr. Glazer do something that benefits the voters of California. I want him to not pull another “walking” stunt either. Vote when there is a vote don’t take a walk. I am thinking carefully about the next election.

James H. Marks Jul 13, 2015 - 3:11 pm

All soldiers of the War Between the States were given Federal Veteran status in 1959. This bill is a cheap shot meant to further create racial tension and concurrently send a strong message not to resist the ever-encroaching Federal Government. It will do nothing other than rewrite history to fit the NewProg/Marxist agenda.

Very poor show.

Mike S Jul 13, 2015 - 6:13 pm

As a 23 year old voter this is exactly what I want. I would not be okay with a school being named after Robert E. Lee. As a voter/taxpayer I would oppose such idea. With that said, this Bill is indeed a benefit. Kuddos Steve! All you old farts, get out of here, and stop complaining.

RJB Jul 13, 2015 - 9:28 pm

You’re 23. What the F have you sacrificed for this country? Let me guess, 5 minutes off of snapchat to post this worthless response?

You’re a voter eh? I’ve been voting for more than twice your age. Give me a break.

What do you know about history? What do you know about African Americans who support the confederate flag? Yeah.. that’s what a thought. A typical clueless millennial.

Robert Adolf Jul 13, 2015 - 7:11 pm

It is time for the politicians to stop instigating racism in the this country starting with our president. Censoring history will not change anything. By facing history we can learn from it. There are many more important needs for the politicians to do like take away two laws for every new one they make.

Anonymous Jul 13, 2015 - 8:04 pm

Steve,
Please concentrate on what is important to California and the district you represent. This type of legislation isn’t it. Dan Boatwright, John Nejedly, and Dick Rainey would all be disappointed in how you are performing in the position they held that you now occupy. Come on Steve, we need leadership-not a patsy.

Majority Voter Jul 14, 2015 - 7:16 pm

Ya, like those were great politicians. Give the guy a chance. At least we do not have another term of that spendthrift Bonilla. Thank God for smarter voters coming to vote.

Anonymous Jul 16, 2015 - 12:05 am

Wake up “Majority Voter”. Bonilla is STILL in office (She is in the assembly and was looking for a seat in the Senate). She wasn’t up for re-election!

Dick Rainey, Dan Boatwright and John Nejedly all did a great job in District 7 and were considered by the majority of voters as great politicians. Thanks for proving you are NOT a representative of the Majority of voters. I think garden variety undereducated voter is a better fitting moniker.

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