California lawmakers are considering several proposals aimed at protecting pregnant individuals in prison, banning legacy admissions at private colleges, and addressing gender discrimination on college campuses. The state Legislature, mostly controlled by Democrats, is in the final week of session with a deadline to send bills to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s desk by Saturday for approval, veto, or allowing them to become law without his signature.
One of the bills involves requiring each California State University and University of California campus to have a designated office for handling sexual harassment complaints under Title IX, in addition to establishing a systemwide office to address gender discrimination on campuses. This legislation was introduced following findings of mishandled complaints in the UC and CSU systems by the state auditor.
Another bill focuses on expanding protections for pregnant incarcerated individuals. It includes provisions such as banning solitary confinement for pregnant women and ensuring access to clean water and nutritious meals. Additionally, it mandates referrals to social workers for parenting options, requires necessary medical care for postpartum mothers, and allows bonding time with infants while accommodating breastfeeding needs.
Lawmakers also passed a bill to reduce the number of empty state prison beds significantly by 2030. Advocates argue that maintaining thousands of empty beds is costly and aim to prompt the closure of several state prisons as the population declines. However, opponents, including law enforcement, express concerns about potential overcrowding and reduced space for rehabilitation programs.
Another bill seeks to end legacy admissions at private nonprofit colleges by prohibiting preferential treatment for applicants connected to alumni or donors of the institution, starting in 2025. The objective is to create a fairer admissions process, irrespective of an applicant’s familial or financial background. Legacy admissions received increased attention after the U.S. Supreme Court decision last year regarding affirmative action in college admissions.
The bills await final approval in the Assembly before advancing to Gov. Newsom for consideration. The aim is to address issues such as protecting pregnant individuals in prison, promoting fairness in college admissions, and combating gender discrimination on campuses.
