(a) The purpose of this Chapter is to ensure compliance with federal and state nondiscrimination laws in any program or activity conducted by an educational institution. Therefore, no person in the State of California shall be subjected to discrimination, or any other form of illegal bias, including harassment. No person shall be excluded from participation in or denied the benefits of any local agency's program or activity on the basis of sex, sexual orientation, gender, ethnic group identification, race, ancestry, national origin, religion, color, or mental or physical disability in any program or activity conducted by an “educational institution” or any other “local agency,” defined in Article 2 (commencing with Section 4910) of this Chapter, which is funded directly by, or that receives or benefits from any state financial assistance.

(b) All educational programs and activities under the jurisdiction of the State Board of Education receiving or benefiting from state or federal financial assistance shall be available to all qualified persons without regard to sex, sexual orientation, gender, ethnic group identification, race, ancestry, national origin, religion, color, or mental or physical disability.

(c) It is the intent of the State Board of Education that the Superintendent of Public Instruction assist school districts and county offices of education to recognize and eliminate unlawful discrimination that may exist within their programs or activities and to meet the requirements of this Chapter. The Superintendent shall meet this responsibility through technical assistance and ensuring compliance pursuant to Chapter 5.1 (commencing with section 4600) of this Title relating to standard complaint procedures.