Seth's Law Is Good For Schools

AB 9 passed in the CA Assembly on June 2nd. Why do I care and why should you?

Seth Walsh, a 13 year old boy from Tehachapi, California died this past September. He attempted suicide on 19th September 2010 by hanging himself with a tree in the backyard of his house. He managed to survive and remained on the life support for 9 days and finally died on 27th September 2010.

The reason for this was clear, he took his own life after years of relentless harassment based on his sexual orientation and gender expression.  He and I have something in common beyond our first name. We are both gay, and both have suffered harassment in our lives.  What is most tragic to me, as a 38 year old, is the degree in which adults were aware of this harassment and sometimes even actively engaged in it as well.  I can even say I have experienced harassment here in town.  Not often, and thankfully, I have been out for 20 years, so my skin is pretty thick.

Wendy Walsh, Seth’s mother, and close friends reported that teachers and school administrators were aware that Seth was being harassed and, in some instances, participated in the harassment.  She, says, “Seth told me he was gay when he was in the sixth grade. He was a wonderful, loving child, and I loved him for who he was. I can't bring my son back. But schools can make a difference today by taking harassment and bullying seriously when parents or students tell them about it, and when they see it in the halls.” 

Every day young people in California schools are subjected to discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or bullying based upon actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, gender, race or ethnicity, nationality, religion, disability, or association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.  

The California Assembly has recently passed and sent to the Senate AB 9, Seth's Law.  This bill draws upon tested approaches and best practices to ensure that schools have adequate policies and procedures in place to prevent discrimination and harassment and to respond to incidents quickly. 

Maybe you would consider being part of the support, like me, for AB 9. Why? Because bullying and harassment is simply wrong.  Trust me, I know from personal experience.  Making sure adults and administrators are unable to turn a blind eye to harm caused to students due to orientation or identity is the right thing to do.