California‘s Attorney General, Rob Bonta, has filed a lawsuit against the Chino Valley Unified School District over a controversial policy that requires teachers to notify parents if their child changes their identity or pronouns, reports the Daily Mail. 

Bonta claims that this

“parental notification”

policy is discriminatory and violates civil rights and privacy laws. The lawsuit argues that the policy puts transgender and gender-nonconforming students in

“danger of ‘imminent, irreparable harm,’ by risking they’ll be outed in their household ‘before they’re ready.”

The policy was discussed during a public meeting in July, where more than 80 community members, including students, teachers, parents, mental health professionals, and advocates, voiced their concerns and opposition. They argued that the policy would endanger transgender and gender nonconforming students, with some stating that it would threaten their safety and sense of belonging. Letters written by LGBTQ+ students highlighted the potential consequences of forced disclosure, including abuse, hate crimes, and even murder.

The lawsuit seeks to discontinue the enforcement of the policy. Bonta also believes other Southern California districts with similar policies will be affected by the litigation. Bonta emphasized that the policy infringes on students’ rights.

“It tramples on students’ rights,”

he told ABC 7 News. 

Under the policy, Chino Valley schools must inform parents in writing within three days if a student requests to be identified or treated as a gender different from what is recorded on official documents. Parents will also be notified if students participate in sex-segregated activities or use bathroom facilities that don’t align with their listed gender. The lawsuit is now in the hands of the San Bernardino County Superior Court, which will determine whether the practice should be immediately banned.

#Clique, what are your thoughts?