In a landmark move to protect and support LGBTQ+ students, California has enacted Assembly Bill 1955 (AB 1955), known as the "Support Academic Futures and Educators for Today’s Youth (SAFETY) Act." Signed into law on July 15, 2024, by Governor Gavin Newsom, this groundbreaking legislation underscores California’s commitment to fostering a safe and inclusive educational environment for all students.
Authored by Assemblymember Chris Ward and backed by the California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus, the SAFETY Act responds to rising concerns over policies in several school districts that aimed to forcibly out students. These policies required educators to inform parents if their child identified as transgender or requested a different name or pronouns, leading to potential harm and discrimination against LGBTQ+ youth.
"Politically motivated attacks on the rights, safety, and dignity of transgender, nonbinary, and other LGBTQ+ youth are on the rise nationwide, including in California," stated Assemblymember Ward. The SAFETY Act ensures that conversations about gender identity remain private matters within families, protecting the well-being of students and fostering a supportive school environment (Assemblymember Christopher M. Ward).
Key Provisions of the SAFETY Act
The SAFETY Act includes several crucial provisions:
- Prohibition of Forced Outing Policies: Schools are now explicitly prohibited from enacting policies that forcibly out students to their parents.
- Resources for Families: The Act provides vital resources for parents and students to handle discussions about gender identity privately and constructively.
- Protection for Educators: Teachers and school staff are safeguarded from retaliation if they refuse to participate in forced outing practices.
Enhancing Health and Mental Health Services
Beyond its protections for LGBTQ+ students, AB 1955 also amends the Education Code to enhance the health and mental health services available to all students. The California Department of Education is now tasked with encouraging local educational agencies to participate in programs that offer reimbursement for school-based health services and mental health services. This includes utilizing the Medi-Cal billing option and the statewide fee schedule for school-linked outpatient mental health or substance use disorder treatment.
