California’s new Senate Bill 274 (SB 274), titled the “Keep Kids in School” bill, is a reckless piece of legislation that strips educators of a vital tool — the ability to suspend students for willful defiance.
While its backers claim it’s a step toward equity, the real consequences will be felt in every disrupted classroom, every unsafe learning environment and every teacher left powerless to maintain order.
Introduced by State Sen. Nancy Skinner (D-East Bay) and sponsored by State School Superintendent Tony Thurmond, SB 274 bans suspensions for defiance-related behavior across all grade levels.
The bill’s supporters argue that suspension disproportionately affects students of color, LGBTQ+ students and students with disabilities — yet instead of offering meaningful support or resources for teachers to manage classrooms more effectively, the state has decided to remove one of the few disciplinary tools left.
The California Teachers Association (CTA), which claims to advocate for educators, took a passive “watch” position on the bill — neither supporting nor opposing it. That silence speaks volumes.
Rather than standing up for teachers, the CTA stood aside, allowing the bill to move forward unchallenged.
Worse still, the CTA has financially backed the very politicians responsible for this bill — more than $40,000 to Skinner and a staggering $10 million to Thurmond’s campaign.
Add in another $3.5 million from other public-sector unions like the American Federation of Teachers and the California Federation of Teachers, and it becomes clear — your union dues are being used to fund political alliances, not protect your classrooms.
This isn’t just about money. It’s about priorities. Teachers are exhausted. They’re managing overcrowded classrooms, rising behavioral issues and ever-increasing demands with fewer and fewer tools.
Removing the option to suspend for willful defiance sends a clear message that the state values political optics over teacher safety and student learning.
And your own union leadership is complicit.
SB 274 has a sunset date of 2029, which means lawmakers want to “review the data” before making it permanent. So for the next five years, teachers will bear the burden.
Teachers are told to manage with restorative practices and empty policy promises while real disruptions go unchecked. And when classrooms spiral into chaos, teachers will be blamed for not doing enough.
It’s time to hold the CTA accountable. Teachers should not be forced to fund political campaigns that ultimately work against their interests.
Teachers deserve representation that stands with them, not on the sidelines. SB 274 is more than a misguided bill. It’s a wake-up call.
Teachers have the right to not join the union. If you decide union membership isn’t for you, you can opt out and ensure your dues aren’t used to support causes you don’t agree with.
Visit www.optouttoday.com to learn more about your options and how to opt out.
