March 24th, 2025
The Honorable Al Muratsuchi
Chair, Assembly Education Committee
1020 N Street, Room 159
Sacramento, CA 95814
RE: Support for Assembly Bill 908 (Solache)
Dear Chair,
The California Youth Empowerment Network (CAYEN) is pleased to support Assembly Bill 908 (Solache), a bill that would ensure school districts prioritize the education and well-being of LGBTQ+ pupils by requiring a state priority in their local control and accountability plans (LCAP) that describes the school district’s implementation of supportive policies and initiatives for LGBTQ+ pupils.
CAYEN is a youth-led statewide network comprised of TAY Action Teams and CAYEN Board members which engages, empowers and represents Transitional Age Youth (TAY), ages 15-26, in mental health advocacy on issues that directly affect TAY. Since CAYEN’s inception in 2006, CAYEN has taken many forms of action to empower TAY in their personal lives and spark progressive change in public policy.
Schools are essential public institutions that support youth in their social and emotional learning. However, disparities in school connectedness pose a significant risk factor for developing mental health and substance use challenges.[1] A recent study by UCLA’s Williams Institute also found that 10% of public middle and high school students identify as LGBTQ+ in California. These students reported lower levels of school connectedness compared to their non-LGBTQ+ peers.[2] By requiring school districts to describe their implementation of support services for LGBTQ+ youth in their local control and accountability plans, schools can easily identify where the gaps in support are and efficiently address the lack of support or services provided to LGBTQ+ youth.
By requiring school districts to document these efforts, AB 908 will help ensure LGBTQ+ students receive the support they need and prevent behavioral health challenges from developing. For these reasons, we support AB 908 (Solache). If you have any questions, or if CAYEN can provide assistance on this bill or any other behavioral health legislation, please do not hesitate to contact me at dthirakul@mhac.org or our Director of Public Policy, Karen Vicari, at kvicari@mhaofca.org.
Sincerely,
Danny Thirakul
California Youth Empowerment Network
Public Policy Coordinator
[1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Substance use among youth. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
[2] Choi, S.K. Baams, L., & Wilson, B.D.M. (2017). LGBTQ Youth in California’s Public Schools: Differences across the State. Los Angeles: The Williams Institute