Youth, School Safety & AB 537
AB 537 (The California Student Safety and Violence Prevention Act of 2000) states, "Under the California Constitution, all students of public schools have the inalienable right to attend campuses that are safe, secure, and peaceful." This bill also states, "The fastest growing, violent crime in California is hate crime, and it is incumbent upon us to ensure that all students attending public school in California are protected from potentially violent discrimination."
 Click here to read the text of this bill.
The problem is, many schools continue to ignore this law and allow their LGBT students to be harassed and discriminated against on a daily basis. No student can learn in an unsafe, stressful environment and no person should ever have to endure taunts and blatant discrimination when trying to exercise their right to an education. Whether the harassment is coming from other students, faculty or staff, it is wrong and unlawful. Verbal taunts, physical violence, intimidation and stifling self-expression are prohibited by AB 537 and when they happen, there IS something you can do about it. Click here to download the 2001 AB 537 Advisory Board Task Force Report. Make it Real has tons of information regarding AB 537 and how to get your school on board. There are fact sheets, a checklist to evaluate your school, information on how to strategize and form coalitions and links to other useful sites. The Safe Schools Coalition has information for students, parents and teachers regarding what to do if you have been a victim or witness to hate incidents or discrimination in school. The Center is proud to be a member of the California Safe Schools Coalition. For tools and resources for students, parents, teachers and administrators click here.
Click here for model Harassment and Discrimination Policies to suggest to your school.
Click here to see if your high school has a GSA (Gay Straight Alliance) or to find out how to start one. For more information, contact Caroline Dessert, Public Affairs & Community Organizing Coordinator, (619) 692-2077 x 111 or e-mail: cdessert@thecentersd.org.
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| Additional Student and Youth Resources |
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