California introduces law prohibiting schools from mandating parental notification for child’s pronoun change

California Governor Gavin Newsom has recently approved a new law that prevents school districts from implementing policies that would require schools to inform parents if their child requests to change their gender identification. This law disallows regulations that demand school staff to reveal a student’s gender identity or sexual orientation without the student’s consent. Supporters of the law argue that it will provide protection for LGBTQ+ students who may not have supportive home environments. However, critics are concerned this may limit schools’ transparency with parents.
The legislation comes at a time when there is a national discussion on the rights of parents and LGBTQ+ students in local school districts. Assemblymember Chris Ward, a Democrat from San Diego, introduced the law citing a perceived increase in attacks on LGBTQ individuals nationwide. Ward emphasized that while some LGBTQ youth have accepting families, others face the risk of harm if they are pressured to disclose their identities prematurely.