Equality California on Ruling Striking Down Chino Valley USD Forced Outing Policy

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 11, 2024

CONTACT: Jorge Reyes Salinas, Equality California
PHONE: (213) 355-3057/MOBILE: (213) 355-3057/EMAIL:[email protected]

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY, Calif. -Equality California, the nation's largest statewide LGBTQ+ civil rights organization, released the following statement from Executive Director Tony Hoangregarding the ruling from the San Bernardino Superior Court that permanently halts Chino Valley Unified School District from enforcing dangerous provisions of their forced outing policy.

"The San Bernardino Superior Court's decision to issue permanent injunctive and declaratory relief against the Chino Valley Unified School District Board of Education's forced outing policy is a tremendous victory for LGBTQ+ youth, their families, and the entire Chino Valley community. This ruling acknowledges that every student deserves to feel safe, respected, and supported in their schools - without fear of being outed against their will.

We are tremendously grateful for the leadership of Attorney General Rob Bonta in bringing this successful lawsuit against Chino Valley Unified School District forward, and for his tireless advocacy on behalf of LGBTQ+ students in California.

Transgender youth have faced increasing attacks in recent years as extremist school board members push discriminatory policies targeting them and their families. Equality California has worked tirelessly alongside our local and state partners to combat these harmful efforts, including AB 1955, the SAFETY Act, introduced by Assemblymember Chris Ward and the California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus. This critical bill, which was signed into law by Governor Newsom earlier this year, prohibits school districts like Chino Valley from forcibly outing transgender youth without their consent and protects educators who foster safe, supportive learning environments. California voters have also made their voices heard when it comes to protecting transgender youth. So far this year, six school board members across the state have faced recall efforts following their support of anti-LGBTQ+ policies - and all six were successfully recalled.

Equality California will continue fighting against discriminatory policies that harm LGBTQ+ youth or their families. All students deserve a safe and inclusive environment where they can thrive without fear or anxiety while expressing themselves."

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