California judge allows school district’s parent notification policy to stay in effect

Riverside Superior Court Judge Eric Keen on Feb. 23 declined to issue a preliminary injunction against the Temecula Valley Unified School District’s ban on teaching critical race theory. The ruling also maintains a policy that requires school staff to notify parents if their child wants to use pronouns, a name, or facilities inconsistent with their sex. In the ruling, Keen wrote that the notification policy “applies equally to all students within the district” because it also requires school officials to notify parents of any injuries, bullying, or mental health issues involving their child.

Who challenged the policies? Lawyers from the Public Counsel in August sued the school district on behalf of the district’s teachers union, as well as teachers, parents, and students. The plaintiffs argued that the policies discriminate against minority groups and put students who identify as LGBTQ in danger. California Attorney General Rob Bonta filed an amicus brief supporting the challenge, while the Liberty Justice Center filed a brief in favor of the policies. Supporters of the policies say they protect parents’ rights and ensure that education remains free from indoctrination, according to the law firm Advocates for Faith and Freedom, which represents the district. The case is scheduled to be heard later this month.

Are there similar cases in California? In September, Judge Thomas Garza of San Bernardino County issued a temporary restraining order against a similar notification policy adopted by the Chino Valley Unified School District. The order came after Bonta sued the school district in August.

Dig deeper: Read Liz Lykins’ report in Liberties about a New York mother who sued a school district for treating her daughter as a boy without her knowledge.