The governor is reviewing the Equality and Equal Access in Higher Education bill (AB 620) which, if passed, will protect colleges and universities against discrimination and unfair treatment within the LGBT communities on campus. The bill was introduced by Assemblymember Marty Block (D-San Diego), later sponsored by Equality California, in an effort to curb bullying against students who identify with the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community. The new legislation will now require public colleges and universities to build a policy in its student code of conduct that would prohibit unfair, discriminatory acts against students who identify as LGBT.
The state Senate approved the bill last week, 26 to 15. The Assembly approved it yesterday, 51 to 26.
“Students attending our public colleges and universities deserve a campus that is serious about providing a safe environment where all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, can excel to their fullest academic potential,” said Assemblymember Block. “Sadly, bullying and harassment continue to be a primary concern for LGBT students on campus and is often cited when determining why they underperform or drop out. Discriminatory behavior should not be tolerated under any circumstances and I have been proud to work with Equality California and my colleagues in moving this important piece of legislation through the Legislature and to the Governor.”
In addition to protecting college students, the bill will also provide a necessary update to the state’s higher education code, which will now include “sexual orientation and gender identity and expression as classes protected against discrimination in portions of the code where this is not currently specified.”
“Over the last few years we have raised tremendous awareness about the harm to children caused by bullying in schools,” said Equality California Executive Director Roland Palencia. “But it is important to remember that bullying does not end when students are handed a high school diploma. Bullying that begins in elementary school can continue into adulthood, many times manifesting itself as adult hate crimes. We thank Assemblymember Block for his leadership on this legislation, an essential bill in reducing the harassment and bullying experienced by LGBT students of any age and the harm that results because of it.”
The bill was born amidst studies which examined the challenges LGBT students face. In 2008, the University of California Undergraduate Experience Survey revealed that students who identify with the lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender community often face mental health challenges, suffering sexual health, substance abuse, and other negative health outcomes as a direct result of discrimination on campus.
AB 620 encourages colleges and universities to help students and staff members identify a “point-person,” generally university personnel, in an effort to defend the legislation of the bill amidst any discrimination or unfair act against the LGBT community.
This is so personally relieving for me. And will have wide spread positive effects on everyone!