Extra! Extra! Challenge to the School Success and Opportunity Act Has Failed!

By Rebecca Gonzales, NASW-CA Director of Government Relations and Political Affairs

Last year, the Legislature approved and the Governor signed AB 1266 (Ammiano) which requires that a pupil be permitted to participate in sex-segregated school programs and activities, including athletic teams and competitions, and use facilities consistent with his or her gender identity, irrespective of the gender listed on the pupil’s records. This act is essential in that it protects the rights of transgender students.

A mean-spirited attack on this act was launched by conservative groups. Fortunately, they did not have enough valid signatures to pass the signature verification process with the Secretary of State. This means that the effort to overturn this act will not be on the November ballot!

NASW-CA signed on in support of this act along with many other organizations. We were also supporters of the original legislation and testified in committee hearings and sent in letters of support. AB 1266 is consistent with our commitment to working toward the elimination of prejudice, social injustice, violence and discrimination of LGBT people in all aspects of society.