AB 1805 was signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom on Sept. 30, requiring that Mendez v. Westminster, a landmark civil rights case from 1950s Orange County, is included in California statewide education.

Spearheaded by Assemblyman Tri Ta and Senator Tom Umberg, they have argued that AB 1805 will serve an important function in highlighting California’s progres on civil rights to students in state schools.

“This legislation will help ensure that every student understands the significance of Mendez v. Westminster,” Orange County Superintendent of Schools Stefan Bean said in a public statement.

In Mendez v. Westminster, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that race-based school segregation was unconstitutional after a Mexican American student was denied entry to a public school and redirected to a “Mexican School.” The Instructional Quality Commission of California, which determines instructional materials to be included in the statewide curriculum, will determine whether Mendez will be included in 2025. Northwood’s Humanities 10 curriculum already integrates elements of Mendez in the discussion of civil rights, according to assistant principal Christina Banagas-Engelerdt. 

“This inclusion of Mendez is a sign of the quality of the work that our instructors put into designing the curriculum and teaching it,” Banagas-Engelerdt said.

Students also say they are interested in seeing the connection that Mendez will add to their understanding of history.

“I think that the case is a good addition to the historical curriculum in California,” senior Haarika Duvurri said. “It would add more context to history lessons about the civil rights movement.”

Teachers are also optimistic about the potential impact of cases such as Mendez on their instruction.

“It’s a way to engage kids, especially since they know the areas mentioned,” history teacher Bryan Hoang said. “Teachers can connect Mendez to larger historical trends, which makes classes more effective.”