Despite what you may read or hear from the U.S. Government or President, the US Constitution determined that education is a “States Rights” issue. This means that the California Constitution and Education Code governs public schools and how teachers teach in California. Throughout the Education Code there are many protections for LGBTQ+ students and those are the laws that govern how educators should treat LGBTQ+ students. Here is a link to the state LGBTQ+ student related laws.
The superintendents across Santa Cruz County in a letter dated December 18, 2024 reminded all educators, students and families that
California has among the nation’s strongest legal protections for LGBTQ+ students and families, bolstered
here in Santa Cruz County by local policies, practices, and partnerships. These include:
■ Non-Discrimination: Under California Education Code Section 220, discrimination on the basis of
gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation is strictly prohibited in all public
schools.
■ Privacy Protections: Students have the right to control the disclosure of their gender identity
and sexual orientation under Education Code Section 234.1. Schools cannot disclose this
information without students’ affirmative consent.
■ Use of Chosen Names and Pronouns: Students have the right to be addressed by their chosen
name and pronouns, and to participate in programs and use facilities consistent with their
gender identity, as affirmed by Education Code Section 221.5.