Policy Recommendation:
International/Multi-cultural Fairs

Ensuring Inclusive and Respectful School Events per California Education Codes

‍

Across the state, schools celebrate diversity and inclusion through multicultural or international fairs. These events, aimed at fostering mutual understanding, joy, curiosity, and respect, have long become a cherished tradition, providing students and families with opportunities to share food, music, attire, information, and other elements that present their heritage, cultures, traditions, and national backgrounds.

‍

Unfortunately, in recent years, such events resulted in displays portraying false, misleading, or inflammatory content, often from outside organizations, that politicized the event and negatively affected school climate. Some examples are factually inaccurate maps, posters, and handouts that erase cultures, countries, and histories entirely. Students whose identity, beliefs, religion, ethnicity, or national origin are marginalized by such biased narratives feel ostracized, excluded, or judged.

‍

The CDE in Case Matter No. 2025-0200 (Discovery Charter School, November 26, 2025) ruled about a booth created and hosted by a parent, stating that “The posters contained a one-sided political narrative that promoted a discriminatory bias, was not vetted by the school, and made students and parents uncomfortable. Moreover, the inclusion of such a political narrative did not fit within the stated scope and advertised purpose of the World Day for Cultural Diversity Event. The evidence supports a finding that the booth contributed to a discriminatory environment at the event.”

We encourage districts and schools to adopt policies and procedures in advance to ensure these events remain celebratory and comply with state, federal, and local policies that safeguard inclusion and prevent politicization of school events.

‍

While freedom of expression is a core value, it is well established by California Ed Codes and legal precedents such as Tinker v. Des Moines (393 U.S. 509, 511) and Hazelwood Sch. Dist. v. Kuhlmeier (484 U.S. 260) that schools may restrict expression that infringes on the rights of others or substantially disrupts the educational environment. CDE rulings and California Law reaffirm the district’s affirmative obligation to prevent all discriminatory expressions. Additionally, in Fall 2025, the California legislature amended Section 51500 of the Education Code to reaffirm the district’s responsibilities in preventing and responding to discrimination at school; it specifically mentions activities, which include multicultural fairs.

‍

To ensure schools remain inclusive and respectful, we recommend the following guidelines:

• All signs, posters, and handouts should be student/family-created. Do not distribute third-party politicized materials. 
• Focus on celebrating diversity, heritage, traditions, and contributions instead of adversities, controversies, and political displays. 
• A school administrator shall review all materials and ensure the guidelines are followed.
• Establish a clear procedure for addressing concerns and issues.

As a example, the CA Department of Education ruled in October 2025 (CDE Case Matter No. 2025-0152 re Oakland Unifed School District) that “District’s repeated publication of a map that excluded Israel, and which instead labeled the area as ‘Palestine,’ coupled with the continued use of content from an organization they suspected to reflect antisemitic sentiments, is in violation of board policies concerning the content of the LEA websites, the educators’ code of ethics, and the presentation of controversial issues.” and “constituted discrimination towards Jewish persons.”

‍

By creating and following clear guidelines and procedures, schools can preserve the joy and inclusivity of multicultural fairs while ensuring that all students feel respected, safe, and welcomed.

‍

‍

‍

The information above is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult a licensed attorney regarding your specific legal questions or circumstances. While we strive to provide accurate information, the Bay Area Center to Counter Antisemitism (BACCA) does not guarantee that the information is current, complete, or applicable to your particular situation.