The culture war is intensifying. The California Department of Education just released the latest version of the state mathematics framework, which is still firmly anchored in the equity ideology. In spite of having joined the Union as a free state, California is now ready to introduce more race-based legislation and policies following final recommendations by the Reparations Taskforce. The State Legislature is attempting to legalize discrimination again with ACA-7.

But with the growing series of onslaught on our principles and values, we are also seeing an emerging coalition of thought leaders, civil rights advocates and grassroots activists coalescing around the ideals of equality, liberty and merit. Their courageous journey is paved by the pioneering work of many heroic Americans who fought, oftentimes alone, for the same values and principles.

One of these heroes is Mr. Edward Blum, who for the last two decades have taken racial classifications to court. Mr. Blum and his organization Students for Fair Admissions secured a major triumph for America last week with a favorable Supreme Court ruling overturning race-conscious college admissions. On August 12th, you will have the exclusive opportunity to meet Mr. Blum in person at CFER's 2nd Annual Conference in San Diego! You will learn from his first-hand testimony and experience how a dedicated, strong American can get things done with decades of consistent work.

This conference will also gather education experts, leaders and local stakeholders, providing them with both practical knowledge and networking opportunities. If you are a parent, you will learn more about the state of American education and how to make informed decisions for your child. If you are an educator, you can learn about tools and strategies to equip your passion for teaching while upholding your values. If you are a school board trustee, you can learn about the various resources available to you so you can better govern local education and champion for excellence. If you are a local activist willing to fight in your school district but don't know how, I hope CFER's annual conference will give you courage, confidence and wisdom to start organizing in your local community. If you represent a statewide or a nationwide organization looking to advance your cause, this will be a good place to meet your local activists and build connections.

Come join us at our San Diego conference on August 12th. We call for all warriors who want to make waves and changes in your local community to attend. You can check out more information about the event including the agenda and speakers here. If you trust CFER, please support us with a kind donation today!

CFER August 12, 2023 Conference Agenda
“Fighting the Cultural War: Connecting Think Tanks with Local Stakeholders”

Breakfast 8:00 am

Welcome Remarks 8:35 am
“Past, Present and Future of CFER and The Fight for Equality”
Gail Heriot, CFER Executive Vice President, University of San Diego Law Professor

Morning Topic #1 9:00 am
“Know the State of American Public Education and What We Can Do”
Frank Xu, CFER President

Keynote Speech 9:30 am
“The Decades-Long Battle Against Racial Classifications in Education”
Meet the Role Model: Courage and Perseverance in Fighting for Equal Justice
Edward Blum, Students for Fair Admissions President

Morning Topic #2 10:15 am
“Understand the Enemy of Public Education: Teachers’ Unions”
Nicole Neiley, Parents Defending Education President

Morning Topic #3 10:45 am
“Learn Strategies for Teachers to Exit the Unions”
Mari Barke, California Policy Center Director of California Local Elected Officials

Morning Topic #4 11:15 am
“Know Your Legal Civil Rights Protections and Resources”
Joshua Thompson, Pacific Legal Foundation Director of Equality & Opportunity

Lunch 12:00 pm

Afternoon Topic #1 1:00 pm
“Understand Public School Finances: Follow the Money”
Todd Maddison, Transparent California Director of Research

Roundtable Introductions 1:30 pm
“Learn Where You Can Find Good Resources”
Various Partner Organizations & Local Resource Groups

Afternoon Panel #1 1:50 pm
“Know What School District Trustees Can Do and How to Help Them”
Rodger Dohm, Ramona Unified School District Board Vice President
Delia Dominguez-Cervantes, Chula Vista Elementary School District Board Trustee
Andrew Hayes, Lakeside Union School District Board Trustee
Jen Wiersma, Temecula Valley Unified School District Board Trustee

Afternoon Panel #2 2:50 pm
“Know the Success Stories and How to Help Local Groups”
Rachelle Babler, PUSD Community Watch Co-Founder
Scott Davison, Carlsbad Education Alliance Director Jim Fabsizk, We the Parents Coronado Co-Founder
Emily Ortiz, Former Oceanside Unified School District Board Trustee
Hong Wu, Asian American Parent Alliance of San Diego Co-Founder

Closing Remarks 3:50 pm
Saga Conroy, CFER Secretary