California’s Assembly Judiciary Committee has passed a measure that would protect all California students, including those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender from harassment and bias in public schools. The committee approved SB 777, authored by Sen. Sheila Kuehl, D-Santa Monica, and sponsored by Equality California, with a 7-3 vote.

The Student Civil Rights Act ensures that all students in publicly funded schools are protected from harassment and bias based on their gender identity or sexual orientation, and that all schools have clear and consistent policies to implement the law. The bill creates uniform nondiscrimination standards within the state’s education code and clarifies the responsibility of school officials to ensure a safe learning environment for every student.

“We must not forget that our schools are still plagued with anti-LGBT bigotry and prejudice,” said EQCA Executive Director Geoff Kors. “LGBT youth are often the victims of verbal harassment and physical violence. With SB 777, we will protect all youth from harassment and abuse based on sexual orientation, religion, race or disability, reinforcing the principle that we don’t stand for discrimination of any kind in California.”

Nearly 30 percent of youth in grades seven to eleven in California have experienced harassment or bullying based on their actual or perceived race, ethnicity, religion, disability, gender or sexual orientation, according to the California Healthy Kids Survey released in 2006. SB 777 strengthens existing nondiscrimination laws to protect students based on these characteristics. The bill covers publicly funded schools and activities, including alternative and charter schools, postsecondary institutions, instructional materials, and financial aid programs.

“The Student Civil Rights Act simply guarantees fairness and equality,” said Sen. Kuehl. “California students deserve to go to schools that don’t tolerate harassment and violence. As lawmakers, it is our responsibility to ensure they get the protection and support they need.”