The U.S. House has approved legislation from Congressman Tim Walberg that expands parental notification requirements in public schools and seeks to limit certain discussions and policies related to gender identity in public schools.
Walberg says his “Stopping Indoctrination and Protecting Kids Act” would require schools receiving federal funding to obtain parental consent before changing a student’s name or pronouns in official records or allowing access to sex-separated facilities based on gender identity. Walberg says parents need to be in the loop about these things.
“Across the country, schools are sidelining parents and concealing critical information about their children, replacing parental authority with bureaucratic control,” Walberg said.
The legislation would also prohibit the use of federal funds for instruction, programs, or materials related to what supporters describe as “gender ideology.” Walberg says the bill seeks to refocus classrooms on academic excellence instead of politics.
“We must restore transparency and accountability in K-12 education and keep the focus on students, not political agendas.”
Opponents of the legislation say it’s harmful to LGBTQ students, especially transgender students.
The bill passed the House on Wednesday and now heads to the Senate.
