Board names new Shields‑Brawley elementary after human‑rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra
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Summary
The board voted to name the new Shields and Brawley elementary school for Jaswant Singh Khalra, a human‑rights activist with ties to the local Punjabi community; vote 6-0 with 1 abstention.
The Central Unified Board of Trustees voted Jan. 28 to name the district’s new elementary school at Shields and Brawley “Jaswant Singh Khalra Elementary School,” honoring the late human‑rights advocate Jaswant Singh Khalra.
Trustee Singh introduced the motion, recounting Khalra’s work documenting disappearances in Punjab and his role exposing human‑rights abuses. Trustee Curfand (seconding) and several trustees supported the name as a way to recognize the contributions of Sikh and Punjabi families in the district. Trustee Sawers said she preferred a geographically descriptive name but did not block the motion.
Trustees voted to approve the name; the motion carried 6-0 with one abstention.
The board’s naming process required a vote confirming the selected name. Administrators will incorporate the chosen name into signage and communications for the new school ahead of opening.

