In 2010, the California affiliates of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) sued the state following an ACLU investigation that uncovered a widespread practice among school districts of requiring students to pay fees and to purchase textbooks, workbooks, and other necessary materials for core academic courses. On October 1, 2012, the ACLU announced that it would dismiss the lawsuit following Governor Brown’s signing of Assembly Bill 1575, authored by
Assemblymember Ricardo Lara and sponsored by the ACLU of California. AB 1575’s enactment was a major victory for the student plaintiffs, and on Friday, the new accountability system at the heart of the bill becomes effective.
“School districts have had five months to modify their complaint procedures to address concerns about fees,” said
Brooks Allen , director of education advocacy for the ACLU Foundation of Southern California (ACLU/SC). “Every student and parent should feel confident they have recourse should they encounter a fee that denies free and equal access to all the classes and educational activities their school has to offer.”
The ACLU/SC has a “know your rights” information page, as well as a sample complaint form that students and parents may use to file complaints, at
Stay Informed
Sign up to be the first to hear about how to take action.
By completing this form, I agree to receive occasional emails per the terms of the ACLU’s privacy statement.
By completing this form, I agree to receive occasional emails per the terms of the ACLU’s privacy statement.