California has become the first U.S. state to ban school districts from requiring staff to notify parents of their child’s gender identification change.
Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a law preventing school rules that would require teachers and staff to disclose a student’s gender identity or sexual orientation to anyone without the child’s permission.
Driving the news: Proponents argue that the law will help protect LGBTQ students living in unwelcoming households, while opponents claim it will hinder schools’ transparency with parents.
- The law comes after various school districts in California implemented policies requiring parents to be notified if their child requests a change of gender identification.
- The law has also led to practical issues in schools, with a teachers union recommending that teachers not enforce parental notification policies due to potential conflicts and safety concerns.
What they’re saying: Asm. Chris Ward (D–San Diego), who introduced the bill, said it combats a rise in politically motivated attacks on LGBTQ students.
- “While some school districts have adopted policies to forcibly out students, the SAFETY Act ensures that discussions about gender identity remain a private matter within the family,” Ward said in a statement. “As a parent, I urge all parents to talk to their children, listen to them, and love them unconditionally for who they are.”
