The Governor has signed a pair of bills from a state senator from Santa Barbara intended to improve the environment for children in schools.
Democratic State Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson of Santa Barbara authored SB 1375, which requires schools to be aware of their responsibilities to prevent gender discrimination as required by federal law. It also requires schools to insure that students, parents, and staff are aware of their rights under the Title IX legislation passed by Congress in 1972.
Meanwhile, the Governor also signed Jackson’s SB 1435, which calls for the teaching of healthy relationships skills among kindergartners through eighth graders. It would expand some of the positive relationship efforts used at higher grade levels down to younger students. Jackson is hoping an earlier start with the efforts can help reduce the incidence of issues like bullying, sexual harassment, and sexual assault.