The Equity in Higher Education Act provides, among other things, that all students have the right to participate fully in the educational process, free from discrimination and harassment. Existing law provides that sexual harassment of students is a form of prohibited sex discrimination and defines terms for purposes of the Equity in Higher Education Act.
This bill would, commencing August 1, 2027, define additional terms for purposes of the act, including, among other terms, "digitized sexually explicit material," "sextortion," "technology-facilitated sexual harassment," and "affirmative consent." The bill would also revise the definitions of "sexual harassment" and "sexual exploitation," and make conforming changes.
To the extent that the bill would impose new duties on community college districts, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program.
The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.
This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.