Governor Signs Sen. Dodd’s Cal State Harassment Bill

SACRAMENTO – In response to the chronic mishandling of sexual harassment and violence cases within the California State University system, Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed legislation from Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa, that will increase accountability and oversight of such complaints on CSU’s 23 campuses while safeguarding students and the public.

“I thank the governor for signing this bill, which will hold administrators accountable and bring necessary transparency to make sure cases aren’t swept under the rug,” Sen. Dodd said. “As a grandparent and CSU graduate, I am committed to making sure students will feel safe and respected on our campuses. This new law ensures we put the culture and processes in place to make that happen.”

Sen. Dodd’s Senate Bill 808 was introduced in response to numerous cases of sexual harassment and violence occurring in the California State University system in recent years. Findings of a California State Auditor report released in July concluded that in some cases, universities improperly closed cases and failed to provide adequate discipline or take action against offenders.

Under provisions of SB 808, the outcome of any sexual harassment settlements would be posted on college websites and reported to the Legislature. Sen. Dodd plans follow-up legislation that would address other State Auditor recommendations.  

SB 808 is co-sponsored by the California Faculty Association and CSU Employees Union and has support from Solano County government. The bill was signed by the governor Saturday after receiving overwhelming legislative support.

“Everyone deserves to feel safe at school and at work -- SB 808 puts the wellbeing of students and staff first by holding the California State University system accountable and increasing transparency,” said Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis. “I am grateful to Gov. Newsom for signing SB 808 into law and Sen. Dodd for championing this critical piece of legislation that will create a standardized public reporting process for sexual harassment reports and complaints. This legislation will provide much-needed accountability in the CSU’s Title IX investigation process and data to drive future reforms of Title IX implementation.”

“CSU Employees Union members applaud the work of Sen. Dodd to help address the Title IX issues at the CSU,” said CSUEU President Catherine Hutchinson. “SB 808 represents an important step that will bring more transparency to the Title IX process at CSU and ensure that the Legislature and stakeholders have robust information to further improve the processes at the CSU.”

“Legislation like SB 808 is needed because there is systemic abuse and harassment happening at campuses across the CSU system,” said John Vasquez, chair of the Solano County Board of Supervisors. “As the home county of a state university, the well-being of students at the California State University Maritime Academy is important to the board of supervisors. SB 808 provides greater transparency and protections for students.”

Link to State Auditor’s report: https://www.auditor.ca.gov/reports/2022-109/index.html

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Senator Bill Dodd represents the 3rd Senate District, which includes all or portions of Napa, Solano, Yolo, Sonoma, Contra Costa, and Sacramento counties. You can learn more about the district and Senator Dodd at www.sen.ca.gov/dodd.