A parents’ rights group is protesting a policy from Cheney Public Schools in Washington state that allows school staff to keep a student’s gender identity private from their parents. The policy, adopted in February 2023, encourages meetings with transgender students to discuss their preferences for family involvement. It emphasizes the importance of using the preferred name and pronouns of the student while communicating with parents, particularly in cases where parents may not be supportive. Critics, including Parents Defending Education’s Erika Sanzi, argue that the policy effectively requires staff to deceive parents, undermining their authority. A recent poll indicates that 71% of likely voters believe teachers should inform parents about such matters.
