Republicans are trying to force an entire state to out its trans students...

[Jessica_Rose]

Republicans are trying to force an entire state to out its trans students to their parents

https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2025/04/republicans-are-trying-to-force-an-entire-state-to-out-its-trans-students-to-their-parents/

By Arin Waller (14 April 2025)

The U.S. Department of Education (DOE) has opened an investigation into California's Department of Education (CDE) over a 2024 law prohibiting the forced outing of trans students to their parents.

Last July, the California state legislature passed Assembly Bill 1955 (aka. the SAFETY Act). It prohibits school districts from enforcing policies that require employees or contractors to disclose a student's sexual orientation or gender identity without their expressed consent.

The DOE claims the law violates the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA); that claim has become the probable cause for their investigation. The DOE's investigation of CDE remains ongoing.

"The agency launched today's investigation to vigorously protect parents' rights and ensure that students do not fall victim to a radical transgender ideology that often leads to family alienation and irreversible medical interventions," Secretary of Education Linda McMahon said in her statement.

State Superintendent Tony Thurmond has pledged to fight the DOE investigation and assured the public that the CDE will remain committed to protecting trans youth.

"Our students must be safe in order to learn," he said in a statement. "I have heard from so many students and families whose safety has been impacted by forced outing policies. To our LGBTQ+ youth and families, I want to make sure that you hear us as loudly as we hear you: You are heard, you are protected, and you are loved."