A federal judge in California ruled that the state cannot prevent teachers from informing parents if their child identifies as a different gender at school. Judge Roger Benitez stated that barring such disclosures violates parents’ due process and religious rights, as well as the First Amendment rights of teachers. The ruling blocks the enforcement of policies that would require staff to keep a student’s gender identity confidential from their parents. While proponents hailed the decision as a victory for parental rights and religious freedom, critics and the ACLU argued it would undermine student privacy and safety.
Date: January 5, 2026. Source: independent.co