Parental Consent for Student Gender Changes

Official: Stopping Indoctrination and Protecting Kids Act

IntroducedApril 3, 2025

EducationSex, gender, sexual orientation discriminationElementary and secondary education

Why This Matters

This bill requires public elementary and middle schools to obtain permission from parents before making changes related to a student's gender identity. It emphasizes parental involvement in decisions that affect their children at school.

If you are a parent of a school-aged child, you will need to give consent for any changes to your child's gender identity at school.

Affects: Parents of elementary and middle school students who identify with a different gender than assigned at birth.

Summary

Parental Rights Over The Education and Care of Their Kids Act or the PROTECT Kids Act This bill requires public elementary and middle schools, as a condition of receiving certain federal funds for elementary and secondary education, to obtain parental consent before changing a student's gender on school forms or changing a student's sex-based accommodations. Specifically, an elementary school or a school consisting of only grades 5-8 must obtain parental consent before changing a minor student's (1) gender markers, pronouns, or preferred name on any school form; or (2) sex-based accommodations, including locker rooms or bathrooms.

What changes is this bill making?

1. Public schools must get parental consent before changing a student's gender markers or preferred name. 2. This applies to any school forms and sex-based facilities like bathrooms and locker rooms. 3. The bill affects public elementary and middle schools that receive federal education funds. 4. Parents will have a say in how their child's gender identity is represented at school. 5. The bill aims to protect parental rights in education regarding gender issues.

Who is affected?

Parents of elementary and middle school students who identify with a different gender than assigned at birth.