Gen Z Women Demand Action at the State Capitol To Protect Students from Sexual Violence and Harassment

(Sacramento, CA, April 22—For Immediate Release)—Over 150 Gen Z women from across the state of California will gather at the state Capitol today to lobby their elected representatives on Assembly Bill 810—to Protect Students from Sexual Violence and Harassment in California institutions of higher education.

As part of ongoing efforts to create safer and more inclusive campus environments, Assemblymember Laura Friedman (D-44) introduced Assembly Bill 810 to protect students from sexual violence and harassment in California institutions of higher education. 

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. The passing of AB 810 will ensure that all publicly funded institutions of higher education in California adopt hiring practices that prevent the proliferation of sexual harassment, creating safe and supportive spaces for all students. It requires all public higher education institutions to implement UC Davis’ policy to conduct employment verification checks to determine if the applicant for an athletic, academic, or administrative position has any substantiated allegations of misconduct from their previous employer. 

The bill is part of the “Call to Action” Bill Package to address harassment and discrimination on California’s campuses. All twelve bills in the slate are supported by GENup, a youth-led educational advocacy group, and IGNITE, a national nonpartisan nonprofit dedicated to empowering young women to become future political leaders.

Assemblymember Friedman said: “In the fight against sexual violence and harassment on college campuses, this bill represents our ongoing efforts to create safer and more inclusive campus environments for all students. By adopting UC Davis' policy of conducting employment verification checks, AB 810 ensures that publicly funded institutions of higher education in California prevent the proliferation of sexual harassment. Let's come together to protect students and create safe and supportive spaces for all."

Jocelyn Yow, Director of Advocacy at IGNITE, said: "Young women are speaking up on the important issue of sexual violence and harrasment on college campuses. Without passing this bill, there are loopholes that allow taxpayer money to fund the hiring of staff with documented histories of misconduct. It’s time to better protect students.” 

“There is no doubt that the existing Title IX processes in the UC, CSU, and Community College systems put students at risk,” said Kate Rodgers, Co-Chief of Policy for Generation Up and current UCLA student. “The lack of transparency and state-wide oversight allows sexual violence, harassment, and discrimination to go unchecked on college campuses. AB810 and the rest of the “Call to Action” Bill Package will empower California’s public higher education institutions to protect their students and equip us with the resources we need to advocate for our own safety.”

Notes to editors:

GenUp’s Director of Policy Kate Rodgers, IGNITE’s Director of Advocacy Jocelyn Yow and Gen Z participants at the event are available for interviews.