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April 17, 2024                                                                                                                    

Assemblymember Alvarez’s Legislation to Ensure that College Students are Protected from Discrimination and Sexual Harassment on Campus Passes Committee

(Sacramento) The Assembly Higher Education Committee recently passed Assembly Bill 2326, authored by Assemblymember David Alvarez (D-San Diego). AB 2326 makes history in the State Legislature by ensuring campus programs are free from discrimination and will require the CA Community Colleges (CCC), the CA State University (CSU), the University of CA (UC), and various CA Independent Colleges and Universities to annually present to the Legislature on how their institutions are actively preventing and addressing discrimination on campus.

“We must increase accountability for a safe learning environment at our California campuses,” said Assemblymember Alvarez. “AB 2326 makes history at the California Legislature by identifying who is responsible for ensuring campus programs are free from discrimination and who has the authority to oversee and monitor compliance with state and federal laws.”

Early this year, the Assembly Higher Education Committee released a report examining how California’s post-secondary academic institutions are working to address and prevent sexual discrimination and harassment on campuses. The “A Call to Action” legislative package is based predominately on those recommendations contained within the report. AB 2326 takes the state policy recommendations #4 and #11, which includes an annual compliance report to the Legislature and for each institution to provide educational programs free from discrimination.

"AAUW California applauds Assemblyman Alvarez for his strong commitment to bring our public colleges and universities into full compliance with Title IX,” stated Dr. Melissa Maceyko. “Holding these institutions accountable at the highest levels is the only way to ensure consistent and effective compliance by every campus in the State.”

Supporters of AB 2326 include American Association of University Women (AAUW) (Co-Sponsor), GenUp (Co-Sponsor), Cal State Student Association, California Faculty Association, California State University Employees Union, Faculty Association of California Community Colleges and Safe Campuses Coalition.

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The 80th Assembly District includes the communities of Barrio Logan, Logan Heights, Sherman Heights, Bonita, Lincoln Acres, Otay Mesa and San Ysidro, along with the cities of Chula Vista, National City and Imperial Beach.

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