Good News! AB1266 Referendum Attempt Fails
On February 24, 2014, the effort to repeal the School Success and Opportunity Act — California’s new law ensuring that all children have a fair opportunity to succeed in school — failed to qualify for the ballot.
California’s School Success and Opportunity Act — also known as AB 1266 — went into effect on January ensuring that schools have the guidance they need to make sure all students, including those who are transgender, have the opportunity to do well in school and graduate. The law is modeled on policies and practices that are already working well in schools across the state, and gives important guidance to educators so they can work with students and families on a case-by-case basis.
This is a powerful moment not only for kids in schools, but also for their families, educators, and everyone who supports them. We were all proud to see such a diverse community working to support the idea that all students deserve a fair shot at an education.
The law helps students like Zoey, a 12-year-old transgender girl from the Los Angeles area who transferred out of her school after administrators there refused to acknowledge her as a girl or allow her to use the girls’ restroom. Her mom, Ofelia Barba, says that the law makes it easier for her daughter to go to school and be herself. “I love my daughter and want the same things for her that other parents want for their children,” Barba said. “I want what’s best for her, for her to be happy, and for her to be able to do well in school. No one wants to see any kid singled out and excluded from school because of who they are.”
At API Equality – Northern California, we are taking this moment to celebrate the School Success and Opportunity Act, and we will continue to work to ensure that everyone in our community has the opportunity to thrive.
To learn more about the School Success and Opportunity Act, please visit www.SupportAllStudents.