California's Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has signed legislation that will require the Department of Education to monitor the way schools adhere to the state's anti-bias laws and specifically mandates the department to ensure the protection of LGBT students. It was one of four new LGBT-positive bills signed by the governor, after he vetoed legislation that would have allowed gay and lesbian couples in the state to marry. Earlier this year, Schwarzenegger signed legislation allowing same-sex couples to hare a common surname and a bill making it easier to couples to file state income tax. "Despite his veto of the marriage legislation, the six bills that were signed will improve the lives of millions of LGBT Californians and their families," said Equality California Executive Director Geoff Kors. The Safe Place to Learn Act applies to publicly-funded institutions and activities, including alternative and charter schools, postsecondary institutions, instructional materials and financial aid programs. It was co-sponsored by Equality California and Asian Americans for Civil Rights and Equality. Schwarzenegger also signed the Student Civil Rights Act and the Safe Place to Learn Act which protects students from harassment and bullying in public schools by making sure teachers and school administrators fully understand their responsibilities to protect youth. The measures are similar to legislation rejected last year by Schwarzenegger who at the time said it was vague and potentially confusing and was redundant because California's education code already prohibits discrimination in schools. A recent survey of California students found that 91% had heard disparaging remarks about other students based on sexuality. Similar studies have found that bullied gay students are more likely to suffer lower grades or drop out of school. The governor also signed a bill that bans discrimination in government services based on sexual orientation and gender identity. And he signed legislation that provides safeguards to protect LGBT youth from abuse and mistreatment in California's Department of Juvenile Justice facilities. Ref: 365gay.com (m)
Credit: GayNZ.com News Staff
First published: Wednesday, 17th October 2007 - 9:37am