Education (Tribal Nations)

The Donahoe Higher Education Act establishes the California Community Colleges under the administration of the Board of Governors of the California Community Colleges, the California State University under the administration of the Trustees of the California State University, and the University of California under the administration of the Regents of the University of California as the 3 segments of public postsecondary education in the state. A provision of the act requires each of the 3 segments of public postsecondary education to have as a fundamental policy the maintenance of a healthy and expanded student transfer system. The act applies to the University of California only to the extent that the regents, by appropriate resolution, make it applicable. This bill would require the Trustees of the California State University and the governing boards of community college districts that offer a baccalaureate degree, and would request the Regents of the University of California, to develop and implement transfer agreement and articulation programs to support and enhance the transfer of students attending California tribal colleges to campuses of these public postsecondary segments, as provided. The bill would require the transfer agreement and articulation programs to include specified components, including, among other things, early outreach activities. The bill would also require the California State University and the California Community Colleges, and request the University of California, to assess tools, systems, or curricula designed to facilitate student transfer for students attending California tribal colleges, as provided.

Existing law establishes the California Community Colleges, the California State University, the University of California, independent institutions of higher education, and private postsecondary educational institutions as the segments of postsecondary education in the state. The missions and functions of these segments are set forth in the Donahoe Higher Education Act. This bill would provide that public higher education additionally consists of tribal colleges and universities geographically located in California that are operated by an Indian tribal government, as defined.

This measure would recognize the historical wrongdoing committed against California Native Americans and urge the federal government to work alongside tribal leaders to address historic injustices, uphold treaty obligations, and ensure equitable access to resources, healthcare, education, and environmental stewardship.