Statement of Assemblymember Toni Atkins on Enactment of FAIR Education Act

(San Diego) On the eve of San Diego’s huge annual LGBT Pride celebration, I am thrilled that the Governor has signed into law Senator Mark Leno’s FAIR (Fair, Accurate, Inclusive and Respectful) Education Act, SB 48, of which I am honored to be a principal co-author.  The FAIR Education Act requires that the historical contributions of LGBT people be included in school instructional materials and will rectify the near-invisibility that our community has had in our schools.

The FAIR Education Act will ensure that LGBT students know that people just like them have been an important part of our history, increasing their sense of self-worth.  Accurate education also helps reduce stereotypes and negative views, which will lead to a reduction in bullying and harassment of LGBT students.

What a wonderful way to kick off Pride weekend!  I am grateful to my colleagues in the state legislature and to the Governor for making this historic moment possible.

Contact – Dale Kelly Bankhead (619) 645-3090