Across California, school boards are proposing, discussing, and voting on policies that would forcibly out transgender, nonbinary, and gender nonconforming students to their parents or guardians without the student’s consent. These policies directly place LGBTQ+ students in harm’s way.

Already, a handful of districts have passed such policies. California Attorney General Rob Bonta has filed a lawsuit against Chino Valley USD, stating that their policy infringes upon several constitutional rights guaranteed to students. The court has issued a stay preventing the policy from going into place pending the result of the lawsuit.

We’re working to mobilize against these policies as we learn about them — and we need your help!

School Boards Considering/Discussing Forced Outing Policies:

Orange USD *
Chino Valley USD *+
Chico USD
Escondido USD
Newport Mesa USD
Redlands USD
Glendale USD
Temecula Valley USD
North Orange Community College District
Murrieta Valley USD *
Spreckles USD
Grossmount Union High School
Rocklin USD *
Buckeye Union USD
Clovis USD
Dry Creek Joint Elementary School District*
Capistrano USD
Placentia Yorba-Linda USD*
Bass Lake School District
William S. Hart Union High School District
Hemet USD^
Beaumont USD
Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint USD

* Policy approved by Board
+ Policy on hold pending legal proceedings
^Policy tabled by Board

1. Provide a public comment
   1. In person at your local school board meeting
   2. Virtually ahead of the projected school board meeting
2. Email your local School Board Members
3. Raise awareness on your social media

Giving public comment is a powerful tool that you have as a resident to inform policymakers about how the proposed policy impacts on our community. Making your public opinion known can make policymakers aware of implications that they may not have considered otherwise. Below is a quick guide to preparing and giving public comment.

1. Research relevant information and become an expert on how the forced outing policy affects you and/or your community
2. Prepare your testimony***
3. Deliver public comment at a meeting

***Note: Each school board meeting may have different time limits for public comments. Please review your school board website for allowed time to ensure your point is entirely heard.

Keep your testimony less than 2-3 minutes long to respect the board’s time limit and keep the proceedings moving along; listen to the folks who testified before you and try not to be too repetitive. Be concise, direct, thoughtful, and courteous. They want to hear your input.
Introduction	First, address the chairperson and thank them for the opportunity to testify today. Ex: “Mr. Chair / Madame Chair / Members of the Commission/ Councilmember, I’d like to thank you for the opportunity to comment today.”
Identify yourself / your credentials.	Introduce who you are, making sure to spell your name and/or the company/organization you represent. Ex: “My name is Sandy Shell, S-A-N-D-Y S-H-E-L-L, and I’m a secretary at Townsville Local Schools and have lived in Townsville for 15 years.”
Identify the legislation you’re discussing, then state your position.	State your position on the policy and identify the specific agenda item you’re discussing.  Ex: “I am testifying in favor/support of Policy X at Townsville USD.”
Deliver your key points using personal experience.	Develop 2 or 3 key points that you want to convey to the commission. Once you’ve decided your key points, intertwine them into your personal story. Start with the most important or compelling points. Include any relevant facts, figures, or statements to support your position.
Conclusion	Thank them for hearing your testimony. Reiterate your position on the policy.  Ex: “Thank you for hearing my concerns. I urge you to vote in favor/against this policy.”