| When Jerry Brown took over the Horseshoe, there was some thought that now we would finally be able to get of really good progressive legislation enacted. Turns out that wasn't entirely true, but nor was it entirely false.
Today, the Governor signed Mark Leno's SB 48, a bill that ensures that the historical contributions of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people and disabled individuals are accurately and fairly portrayed in instructional materials by adding these groups to the existing list of under-represented cultural and ethnic groups already included in the state's inclusionary education requirements. As it stands right now, the state requires inclusion of minority groups contributions to the state, this law simply adds on the disabled and LGBT to that list.
From an immediate standpoint, this probably means that students are going to learn a thing or two about Harvey Milk in their history classes. But in the long run, this bill will help decrease bullying and protect LGBT youth in our schools.
"I am awed and humbled to be part of this historic moment," said Carolyn Laub, Executive Director of Gay-Straight Alliance Network. "By signing the FAIR Education Act and ending the exclusion of the LGBT community from instructional materials, Governor Brown has realized the hopes of youth who have been fighting for safe and inclusive schools, where all students learn about our history and gain respect for each other's differences as a result. This is a part of the American story that we can be proud to know all students will learn." |
