A bill that would prohibit school districts from telling parents about a child's gender expression without the child's permission will move forward in the state Legislature.
At least six California school districts in the past year have adopted measures that require staff to tell parents if their child changes their gender identity at school, sometimes called “forced outing” or “parental notification” policies.
The Chino Valley Unified School District came under fire for implementing such a policy, but changed that rule earlier this year after being sued by the state. A number of Sacramento-area schools discussed the policies late last year.
San Diego Assembly member Chris Ward authored the bill. He said unless the child’s life is in danger, it’s not a teacher's place to make decisions about a student’s privacy.
“This has risen to a level of statewide significance,” Ward said. ”We believe that there should be a common thread for all of our schools that they are places for a safe environment.”
His office said existing state privacy law prohibits teachers from disclosing gender identity information to parents without a pupil’s permission.
Chico Assembly member James Gallagher supports those policies.
“I don't care what kind of issue it is at school — mental health, special education, health care — you go to the parent and you talk to the parent about those issues,” he said. “You don't exclude them.”
The bill was approved by the state Senate Thursday and heads next to the Assembly Education Committee. If passed and signed by the governor, the law would also develop more resources to support LGBTQ youth.
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