New California law bans rules requiring schools to notify parents of child’s pronoun change

SACRAMENTO, California — California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a law that prohibits school districts from adopting policies that require schools to notify parents if their child asks to change his or her gender identification.

The law would ban rules that require school staff to disclose a student’s gender identity or sexual orientation to another person without the child’s consent. Supporters of the legislation say it will help protect LGBTQ+ students living in unwelcoming households. But opponents say it will hinder schools’ ability to be more transparent with parents.

The law comes amid a national debate about local school districts and the rights of parents and LGBTQ+ students.

California Assemblymember Chris Ward, a Democrat who represents San Diego, introduced the legislation amid what he called a “growing national attack” on LGBTQ people.

“While many LGBTQ youth have supportive families, some unfortunately still face rejection and risk serious harm if forced to reveal their identity too soon,” Ward said on the Assembly floor last month.