In 2011, the landscape of higher education in California underwent a transformative change with the approval of AB 620, the Equal Access in Higher Education Act. This landmark bill sought to promote inclusivity by revising the definition of gender within the Equity in Higher Education Act to include "gender expression."
One of the pivotal provisions of AB620 was the introduction of a designated point person within each community college district that serves as a point of contact for members of the campus community who are also part of the LGBTQIA+ community. This move was a bold step towards fostering a more welcoming and supportive environment for the diverse community that constitutes higher education institutions.
The bill mandated that, at the very least, the name and contact information of the designated employee be made readily accessible. This information was to be published on the Internet Web site for the respective campus and included in any printed and Internet-based campus directories. By doing so, AB620 aimed to ensure transparency and easy access to resources for the LGBTQIA+ community within the college setting.
The implementation of this point person system was a strategic move to address the unique challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals in the academic sphere. The designated point persons were envisioned to be knowledgeable allies, offering guidance and support to those seeking assistance or resources related to LGBTQIA+ concerns.
This proactive approach to inclusivity not only reflected a commitment to diversity but also signified a broader acknowledgment of the importance of creating safe and supportive spaces for all members of the academic community.
In essence, AB620 marked a turning point in the pursuit of equality within higher education in California. By recognizing the diverse needs of the LGBTQIA+ community and institutionalizing support through designated point persons, the legislation not only aimed to create a more inclusive academic environment but also served as a beacon for future initiatives promoting equal access and representation in higher education across the nation.
Examples of how the Designated Contact Role will serve our Campus Community:
- Serve as a main point of contact for students to access community and support on campus,
- Receive reports of students who experiences bias treatment on campus based on their gender and sexuality and act as liaison with Title IX and other offices as appropriate,
- Work with planning groups for LGBTQIA+ focused programming and events,
- Encourage campus participation in CCC LGBTQIA+ Summit,
- Consult on new policies and procedures affecting queer and trans students such as chosen name and pronoun implementation programs,
- Create ally ship trainings and workshops for the campus,
- Consult or lead spending of AB 132 funds (Basic Needs Funding) and
- Advocate for LGBTQIA+ needs and concerns on campus and in assigned shared governance meetings.
In September 2024, SB 1491 was passed which, converted AB 620 into a requirement and added confidentiality to the notice requirements.
Per AB 620 and SB 1491, the governing board of each community college district shall designate an employee at each of their respective campuses as a point of contact for the needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual, asexual, pansexual, transgender, gender-nonconforming, intersex, and two-spirit faculty, staff, and students at the respective campus. The LGBTQIA+ point of contact is designated to offer guidance to address issues, concerns and needs of LGBTQIA+ campus community. This person does not take the place of the Title IX officer but can support in guiding interested parties in making Title IX reports.
California Education Code Section 66271.2 requires each California Community College district to designate an employee as a point of contact to address the needs of LGBTQIA+ faculty, staff, and students.
If you are a member of the LGBTQIA+ community or an ally who would like to know more about how San Joaquin Delta College supports LGBTQIA+ students and staff or if you have a concern or challenge and don't know where to go, please contact our Campus LGBTQIA+ point of contact. This is a confidential resource to get answers and help.