June 15, 2016 (Sacramento, CA) – Today, the California Senate Education Committee took the next crucial step in combating school bullying by unanimously passing
AB 2845, an anti-bullying bill co-sponsored by the Sikh Coalition.
The bill, which made its way through the California State Assembly in late May, will now move to the Senate Appropriations Committee where it will be analyzed for costs. The landmark bill ensures that school employees will be provided the necessary resources for students who face school bullying and discrimination. The bill also requires that anti-bullying resources be posted online, thus allowing access to essential bullying prevention resources for anyone who needs them.
Harjit Kaur, the Sikh Coalition’s California Community Development Manager, presented testimony today before the Senate Education Committee regarding the severity of the crisis Sikh students face in classrooms across California and the United States. “Children are entitled to an education in a safe learning environment without having to compromise their faith or identity, and AB 2845 helps to ensure that,” said Harjit Kaur.
The Sikh Coalition’s
groundbreaking national bullying report was also presented to the Senate Education Committee as we continue to lay the required foundation for successful passage of this bill. “The safety and security of our children in educational institutions is a priority for the Sikh Coalition,” said Kaur. “We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure educators, parents and students have the resources they need to address bullying and discrimination.”
As always, we encourage Sikhs to continue to practice their faith fearlessly.