American Society for Ethics in Education
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Delaine Eastin and the California Department of Education
Again Glorifies a School with the State’s Highest Honor, the “California Distinguished School Award,” even though that School Played an Integral Role in Retaliating Against a Teacher for Reporting Them on Charges of Racism and Discrimination!

As to be expected, Delaine Eastin, and the California Department of Education grant Lomitas Elementary School, Victor Elementary School District (VESD), with their highest honor, even though the school and the district were found in violation on two counts of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, by the United States Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR). This vulgar act is nothing less that an affront to the all American citizens and, in the opinion of the American Society for Ethics in Education, amounts to rewarding schools for the intentional violation of basic civil rights.

On June 28, 2001, OCR found the district in violation on two counts of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 for retaliating against the teacher. In fact, a letter recently received from OCR, dated March 19, 2002, states, “the District has contracted with the Haight Consulting Group to provide a full day workshop on April 25, 2002, which, among other topics, will include the identification and prevention of retaliation.”

Yes, that’s today!

ASEE further condemns Delaine Eastin for her apparent gross lack of ethical behavior in granting this award to a school/district that retaliates against those engaged in lawful activities. In the press release from the CDE, ”State Superintendent of Public Instruction Delaine Eastin today announced the winners of the 2002 California Distinguished School Awards. ‘It is with great enthusiasm that I congratulate the educators, parents, and students of this year's 247 distinguished elementary schools. These schools are leaders in our state's education community,’ she said.” Gee Ms. Eastin, do you also condone flatulence in public as acceptable behavior? After all, it certainly appears as if you have a penchant for the vulgar.

It is known that the office of Gray Davis, Governor of the State of California, was aware that this despicable act was about to occur and in fact, had informed the California State Department of Education, Procedural Safeguards Unit of this vile deed. While the Procedural Safeguards Unit does not handle the granting of the award, it is believed that they contacted the California School Recognition Program (Carol Kennedy, Policy and Evaluation Division, 916-657-4316) as recently as yesterday in an attempt to stop this pernicious act. It is also known that, as a direct result of the appeal made to the governor, the Procedural Safeguards Unit has added Lomitas Elementary School and the Victor Elementary School District to their database of schools/districts that have been found in violation of Federal Civil Rights laws in order to assist others who may file complaints against the school/district in the future. ASEE now condemns the governor’s failure to prevent today’s announcement and demands an immediate explanation.

ASEE is requesting that all concerned citizens demand an immediate explanation for this despicable deed from:

ASEE is also asking that all financial sponsors of this travesty to immediately withhold all support should the CDE proceed with the granting of this award. Further information about this despicable deed may be found at:

http://www.edethics.org/