The Rocklin Unified School District School Board is set to vote on a policy requiring parents to be notified if their child wants to identify as transgender or gender-nonconforming.According to the agenda for Wednesday evening’s Board of Education meeting, the board members will vote on adding a new right for parents and guardians.If passed, parents and guardians are to be notified within three school days when their child requests the following:To be identified as a gender other than the child’s biological sex or genderTo use a name that differs from their legal name (other than a commonly recognized nickname) To use pronouns that do not align with the child’s biological sex or genderAccess to sex-segregated school programs and activities, or bathrooms or changing facilities that do not align with the child’s biological sex or genderThe policy says notification needs to be made by the classroom teacher, counselor, or site administrator. Notification can be delayed up to 48 hours to fulfill mandated reporter requirements if a staff member, in conjunction with the site administrator, has credible evidence that notification could result in “substantial jeopardy” to the child’s safety.Documents show the board would also vote to change transgender and gender-nonconforming students’ right to privacy, saying their status is the student’s private information, with the exception of parental notification.KCRA 3 spoke with parents who have students in the district about the proposed policy.”For them to have to tell us within three days? I think that’s a good thing,” Crystal Powell said. “I do believe that people have choices, but I also do believe it’s really important for parents to know, especially with children, when it comes to their decisions and things.”Samantha Marsh, another parent, said she is “totally against” the policy.”I think it’s not any of the school’s business what the kids want to do,” Marsh said. “If the kids actually have a trusted teacher, they want to share this information with or whatever they want to do sharing that information, I don’t think they should be forced to tell that to their parents.”This policy is not unique to Rocklin.Just last week, Attorney General Rob Bonta announced he is suing the Chino Valley Unified School District in Southern California for its implementation of a similar policy that requires parents to be notified if their child is transgender.In a statement to KCRA 3 on Tuesday afternoon regarding the proposal in Rocklin, a spokesperson for his office said, “We are aware of the proposed policy and will respond accordingly.”KCRA 3 reached out to the Rocklin Unified School District and the school board members but did not hear back.The board is meeting Wednesday evening at 6:30 p.m. The meeting is open to the public.
The Rocklin Unified School District School Board is set to vote on a policy requiring parents to be notified if their child wants to identify as transgender or gender-nonconforming.
According to the agenda for Wednesday evening’s Board of Education meeting, the board members will vote on adding a new right for parents and guardians.
If passed, parents and guardians are to be notified within three school days when their child requests the following:
- To be identified as a gender other than the child’s biological sex or gender
- To use a name that differs from their legal name (other than a commonly recognized nickname)
- To use pronouns that do not align with the child’s biological sex or gender
- Access to sex-segregated school programs and activities, or bathrooms or changing facilities that do not align with the child’s biological sex or gender
The policy says notification needs to be made by the classroom teacher, counselor, or site administrator.
Notification can be delayed up to 48 hours to fulfill mandated reporter requirements if a staff member, in conjunction with the site administrator, has credible evidence that notification could result in “substantial jeopardy” to the child’s safety.
Documents show the board would also vote to change transgender and gender-nonconforming students’ right to privacy, saying their status is the student’s private information, with the exception of parental notification.
KCRA 3 spoke with parents who have students in the district about the proposed policy.
“For them to have to tell us within three days? I think that’s a good thing,” Crystal Powell said. “I do believe that people have choices, but I also do believe it’s really important for parents to know, especially with children, when it comes to their decisions and things.”
Samantha Marsh, another parent, said she is “totally against” the policy.
“I think it’s not any of the school’s business what the kids want to do,” Marsh said. “If the kids actually have a trusted teacher, they want to share this information with or whatever they want to do sharing that information, I don’t think they should be forced to tell that to their parents.”
This policy is not unique to Rocklin.
Just last week, Attorney General Rob Bonta announced he is suing the Chino Valley Unified School District in Southern California for its implementation of a similar policy that requires parents to be notified if their child is transgender.
In a statement to KCRA 3 on Tuesday afternoon regarding the proposal in Rocklin, a spokesperson for his office said, “We are aware of the proposed policy and will respond accordingly.”
KCRA 3 reached out to the Rocklin Unified School District and the school board members but did not hear back.
The board is meeting Wednesday evening at 6:30 p.m. The meeting is open to the public.
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