Great news! On Friday, the California State Senate passed AB 9, Seth's Law. The law cleared the Assembly on June 1st. It will now move to the Governor's desk for signing.
From the Seths Law Fact Sheet courtesy of EQCA:
In September 2010, 13-year old Seth Walsh tragically took his own life after years of relentless harassment based on his sexual orientation and gender expression. Seth’s mother and close friends report that teachers and school administrators were aware that Seth was being harassed and, in some instances, participated in the harassment. Yet Seth’s mother's pleas to the school for help were brushed aside.
In testimoney before the Senate Education Committee, Seth's mom Wendy Walsh testified:
"I can't bring my son back," she told lawmakers. "But the California legislature can make a difference today to protect young people across our state just like Seth who are or are thought to be lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender. Schools need to take harassment and bullying seriously when parents or students tell them about it, and when they see it and hear it on the school campus."
Seth's mom also shared:
Wendy Walsh, Seth’s mother, 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.‖
I'm so sad these tragedies need to happen to our children before something is done. We shouldn't need a 'Seth's Law'.
UPDATE: As noted below by tmservo433, laws of this type will help to serve everyone who faces bullying of any sort.
It's about kids with disabilities. Kids who feel different. Kids who are shy. Kids who find themselves on the wrong side of the wrong crowd.
Everything we can do to fight this will help.