California Student Gender Parent-Notification Policies Create Dangerous Environment of Secrecy

Since late July, six California school districts have adopted a transparency policy that has state officials wigging out.

On its face, the parent-notification push at the local level would seem unnecessary, embedded as it is in state and federal law and ancient practice that parents are the primary authority in the lives of their children. That acknowledged, the six school districts have said teachers must notify parents before guiding their children through controversial gender-transitioning. Specifically, school officials have 72 hours to notify parents in writing if children ask to change their names or pronouns or use school facilities such as bathrooms or locker rooms that don’t match the sex they were assigned at birth.

About the Author

Will Swaim

Will Swaim is the CEO of the California Policy Center and, with David L. Bahnsen, a co-host of National Review’s Radio Free California podcast.

Since late July, six California school districts have adopted a transparency policy that has state officials wigging out.

On its face, the parent-notification push at the local level would seem unnecessary, embedded as it is in state and federal law and ancient practice that parents are the primary authority in the lives of their children. That acknowledged, the six school districts have said teachers must notify parents before guiding their children through controversial gender-transitioning. Specifically, school officials have 72 hours to notify parents in writing if children ask to change their names or pronouns or use school facilities such as bathrooms or locker rooms that don’t match the sex they were assigned at birth.