Central Valley School District has policy that keeps parents in the dark regarding their children’s gender identity

The Central Valley School District has a policy in place titled “Gender-Inclusive Schools” that is dated as revised on November 14, 2022. The policy is accompanied with procedures that explicitly state that parents can be left in the dark regarding their children’s gender identity. The policy’s procedures state: “Before contacting a student’s parents, the school will consult with the student about the student’s preferences regarding family involvement and consider whether safety concerns are present for the student.” The policy’s procedures later explain further:

Before communicating with parents of transgender or gender expansive students, it’s important to ask the student how school employees should refer to the student when talking with their parents and guardians. For families who are supportive, using the student’s name and pronoun could be affirming for the student. For parents who are not supportive, or who are not aware of the student’s transition at school, referring to their name and pronoun could be very dangerous.

The policy then appears to threaten staff and teachers into following this policy: “The district will not condone the intentional or persistent refusal to respect a student’s gender identity or gender expression, or inappropriate release of information regarding a student’s transgender or gender-expansive status.”

Students are also allowed to use the restrooms and locker rooms of their preference. Students will additionally be able to participate in overnight field trips “in accordance with the gender identity they assert at school.” The district will provide staff with training on “appropriate strategies for communicating with students and parents about issues related to gender identity and gender expression, while protecting student privacy.”