Newport-Mesa Unified School District has policy to keep parents in the dark regarding their children’s gender identity

The Newport-Mesa Unified School District has a policy titled “Nondiscrimination/Harassment” that has a section labeled as “Transgender and Gender-Nonconforming Students.” This policy ensures that parents are kept in the dark regarding the gender identity of their children. The policy states:

A student’s transgender or gender-nonconforming status is his/her private information and the district will only disclose the information to others with the student’s prior written consent, except when the disclosure is otherwise required by law or when the district has compelling evidence that disclosure is necessary to preserve the student’s physical or mental well-being. In the latter instance, the district shall limit disclosure to individuals reasonably believed to be able to protect the student’s well-being.

The policy then more clearly states that parents may not be involved with the process depending on the student’s decision: “As appropriate given the physical, emotional, and other significant risks to the student, the compliance officer may consider discussing with the student any need to disclose the student’s transgender or gender-nonconformity status to his/her parents/guardians and/or others, including other students, teacher(s), or other adults on campus. The district shall offer support services, such as counseling, to students who wish to inform their parents/guardians of their status and desire assistance in doing so.”

Regarding “transition needs,” the policy explains that parents will only be notified “if appropriate.” The policy explains: “The compliance officer shall arrange a meeting with the student and, if appropriate, his/her parents/guardians to identify potential issues, including transition-related issues, and to develop strategies for addressing them.”

Teachers and staff must also use the preferred pronouns and names of students. Refusing to do this is considered “prohibited” conduct. Students are also allowed to use the preferred restrooms and locker rooms of their choosing.