'Forced outing' parental notice policies banned in California

California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) signed a bill into law on Monday banning schools from passing policies requiring parents be notified if their child decides to change their gender identity.

The law prevents school staff from “outing” a student to their parent or anyone else without their permission.

Proponents held up the measure as a key protection for LGBTQ students, as gender identity in schools has become an increasingly tense political issue.

“Teachers should not be the gender police and violate the trust and safety of the students in their classrooms,” sponsor Assemblymember Chris Ward said in a statement when the bill was introduced in May.

“Parents should be talking to their children, and the decision for a student to come out to their family members should be on their own terms,” Ward continued. "The SAFETY Act simply ensures that conversations about gender identity and sexuality happen at home without interference from others outside of the family unit.”

Eight states have passed laws requiring school officials to inform parents if their child changes their gender identity or pronouns. An additional five have encouraged “outing” students, according to the Movement Advancement Project.

The bill was backed by state Attorney General Rob Bonta (D), as well as leading state public school officials.

“Our schools should be safe havens for all students, not places where some are marginalized for simply being who they are,” Bonta said. “Amidst the growing assault on LGBTQ+ rights in California and across the nation, it's crucial that schools take the necessary steps to create an environment where every student feels valued and affirmed for who they are.”

Bonta sued the Chino Valley Unified School District in San Bernardino County after its board passed a “forced outing” policy last year. The district later withdrew the policy.