On Monday, the Supreme Court blocked California from enforcing a 2024 law meant to protect trans and gender diverse students from being forcibly outed at school. The decision allows, but does not require, California school districts to implement policies requiring staff to notify a student’s family if they change their name or pronouns at school. The ruling did not strike down the law entirely, and it does not currently affect states with similar laws and policies — like New Jersey.
This does not mean there aren’t indirect implications for our schools and students. School administrators, boards, and staff may be confused about if the law has changed, which it hasn’t. Students may be fearful that their teachers now have to out them, which they don’t. And political extremists set on making our schools hostile to LGBTQ+ students may feel empowered to challenge our state’s policies, which have already been upheld by the New Jersey Superior Court.
Policies like these are critical because school is often the only safe and affirming space many queer and trans youth have in their lives. Knowing they won’t immediately be outed allows trans and gender diverse youth to explore their identities in a safe environment without worrying about familial rejection. With up to 40% of homeless youth identifying as LGBTQ+, preventing the forcible outing of students can quite literally save lives.
Notably, neither California’s law nor New Jersey policy prevent parents and families from knowing about their children’s identities. In fact, a key component of both is providing queer and trans students with support from trusted adults and trained professionals so they can come out on their own terms. Furthermore, New Jersey’s policy does not prohibit a school from disclosing a student’s identity if their parent asks and the student consents. This decision relies on a fundamental, if not deliberate, misunderstanding of the how and why of these rules.
We will continue fighting so our schools remain safe and until every family is affirming.