More CA school districts inform parents about child’s gender status.

Temecula Valley⁣ Unified School Board Passes Policy Requiring Parent Notification for ​Transgender Students

The Temecula‌ Valley Unified School ⁢Board has joined other California school districts in implementing a policy ⁢that mandates schools to inform parents if ‌their child identifies as transgender. The policy was approved by a 3-2 vote during a late-night meeting on August 22.

“Parents love their children and feel⁢ passionately about them … and with rare exception, parents ​will always love‌ their children more and‍ deeper than any other adult, including‍ a trusted teacher,” said board president Joseph Komrosky. “No one is more important to ‍the mental health ‌of a⁤ child than their own ‍parents.”

The new rule‌ requires schools to provide written notification to parents within‍ three ⁢days if their child identifies as transgender, exhibits violent behavior,⁢ or⁣ expresses ‍thoughts ​of suicide. This policy is similar to those recently enacted by the Chino Valley Unified and ​Murrieta ⁣Valley Unified school districts in southern‍ California.

Additionally, parents must be notified if their child ‍requests to ​use names, pronouns, athletic‍ programs, bathrooms,⁤ or locker rooms that do not align with their biological sex or gender. Any requests to⁢ change information⁤ in⁢ school records must also be communicated to parents.

The policy drew a crowd of approximately‍ 200 parents, teachers, students, and⁣ community members who passionately ​expressed their opinions during the public comment⁤ session of the meeting.

“Your kids do ⁤not belong to the government. We⁤ do not co-parent with the district,” emphasized trustee Danny Gonzalez. “The district should offer support, resources, and anything else needed to facilitate the success of our students, and you, the parent, are fundamental in this ‍effort.”

Opponents of the policy raised concerns that it could put LGBT students at risk if their parents are⁤ unsupportive.‍ However, supporters argued that parents play a crucial role in their children’s lives ⁢and should be involved ⁢in decisions​ regarding their wellbeing.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta⁤ issued a statement denouncing the parent‌ notification policies implemented by Temecula Valley Unified,⁣ Chino Valley Unified, and⁢ Murrieta Valley Unified. Bonta expressed⁢ concern⁣ about the safety ‌and privacy of ​transgender⁤ and gender nonconforming students and vowed to‌ protect their civil⁢ rights.

Meanwhile, the ⁣Anderson⁤ Union High School‌ District in ‌Northern ⁢California also ⁣approved a similar policy ‍with a ⁤4-1 vote.