(SAN RAMON) The Legislature intends to ensure all pupils, regardless of gender identity, can access suitable restroom facilities during school hours.
That is the exact language of SB760, often cited as the “landmark” legislation allowing for gender-neutral bathrooms.
It's also the motive of the San Ramon Valley Unified School District Superintendent CJ Cammack.
OpGov.ai reached out to Cammack in the New Year regarding SB 760, AB 3216, and AB 49, and how they affect San Ramon students.
His quick response showed he is on top of them.
Beginning with gender-neutral bathrooms, SB760, the superintendent said the district is a step ahead of the state.
“Our District has already conformed to SB 760 by adding gender-neutral restrooms on school campuses,” Cammack said.
A Google search details the new law, saying "these facilities align with our belief in inclusive school cultures and offer practical options for privacy and accessibility for all students and staff.”
(Photo: Google AI Overview Search of SB 760)
After bathrooms come phones. Cammack said SRUSD considered the phone-free law, AB 3216, before January 1; therefore, the district is not under pressure to meet any July 1 effective deadline.
"We recently surveyed staff, parents, and students to assess its effectiveness, and all three groups reported a significant reduction in student distraction and an increase in student engagement," Cammack said.
(Photo: Google AI Overview Search of AB 3216)
The law requires California school districts to renew the policy every five years. While the Google AI Overview Search gives a glimpse at the new law, it does not fully detail the mental health conerns noted by the National Institute of Health (NIH)
"Despite the evidence-gap on the benefits of reduced social media time, governments are implementing or considering bans on smartphones in schools to improve adolescent wellbeing, mental health and educational outcomes," NIH reports.
Cammack concurs.
"By minimizing distractions caused by cell phones and other mobile communication devices, the new policy supports a learning environment where students are better able to focus on academic tasks and engage in meaningful social interactions," Cammack said.
Lastly, and once again, Cammack said SRVUSD already implements AB49, which mandates safe havens in schools to protect immigrant students from deportation anxiety in the academic setting.
(Photo: Google AI Overview Search of AB 49)
"We do not collect immigration information about students, parents, or guardians, and we comply with all state and federal laws," Cammack said. "These practices ensure that our schools remain places of stability, trust, and cooperation."
"When families feel safe engaging with schools, attendance improves, communication strengthens, and students are better positioned to succeed academically and socially.
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