Mesa Public Schools does not require consent from parents to allow students to identify as another gender

Parents Defending Education submitted a public records request to Mesa Public Schools seeking any guidance from the district regarding transgender issues. The district directed PDE to a document titled “Guidelines for Support of Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Students” that was most recently updated on July 15, 2024. The district’s guidance explicitly states that parental “consent” is not required to allow students to identify as another gender:

All records that are not specifically required by law to match government-issued documents shall be updated upon a student’s written request. Parent(s)/legal guardians will be notified if changes are made in Synergy to the student’s education records, although their consent is not required.

Students are allowed to use the restrooms and locker rooms that match their preferred gender identity. Students are also allowed to participate in sports and overnight field trips according to their preferred gender identity.