Victory! FAIR is safe…for now

By Melanie Tom, Field Organizer

The anti-SB 48 ballot movement has failed to gather enough signatures for a June 2012 ballot measure. The FAIR (Fair, Accurate, Inclusive, Respectful) Education Act is safe…for now.

The bill was signed into California law by Governor Brown this past July and requires public social science instruction to include the contributions of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) folks and the disabled in teaching of history and social science classes.

Of course, the bill is about much more than history and social studies. At the heart of the act is breaking the damaging cycle of silence and stigma. It is also an important step in fighting for safe and inclusive schools, where young people can feel pride in who they are and gain respect for each other. The victory is especially poignant, being secured on National Coming Out Day.

While the measure is safe for now, folks are anticipating a second effort to qualify a ballot measure for the November 2012. Modest donations from major anti-gay groups have FAIR supporters wondering if they were holding back for a second strike.