One-by-one, states around the country are either making new laws or making amendments to existing laws to get a hand on the bullying going on in schools in their jurisdictions. And, California is set to lead the fray.
California's AB 9 would make its provisions effective July 1, 2012. That means it would be in effect for next school year.
A beginning. There is still more that needs to be done. It is my opinion that AB 9 doesn't quite reach the demand for ZERO TOLERANCE, but it's a step in the right direction.
The bright side of it is that states around the country are finally understanding that more needs to be done. The laws MUST be made tougher. The penalties MUST be swifter and stronger. And, the laws MUST be all-inclusive. There are still states that are hesitant to add LBGT students under the umbrella of protection. That is not acceptable. ALL students are to be protected and, if they're not, we need to fight like hell to make sure they get the protection they need.
Kudos to you California.
