California is implementing new laws affecting schools in 2026, including protections against immigration raids, banning jail for truant parents, requiring gender-neutral bathrooms, limiting cellphone use, and expanding support for LGBTQ students and early childhood education, aiming to create a safer, more inclusive environment.
The Trump administration threatened to cut federal funding to Denver Public Schools over the district's conversion of a girls' restroom into an all-gender facility, alleging it violated Title IX and could discriminate against female students.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a law requiring all K-12 schools in the state to provide gender-neutral bathrooms by July 2026. The law mandates that each school must have at least one gender-neutral bathroom accessible during school hours and functions, with specific requirements such as signage and designated staff. This law is part of a series of bills aimed at expanding LGBTQ+ rights in California, including cultural competency training for teachers and confidentiality for gender identity changes by minors. While some parents support the law, others are pushing for separate private spaces based on biological sex. Similar legislation in other states has faced legal challenges.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a law requiring K-12 schools in the state to provide gender-neutral bathrooms by July 2026. The law mandates that each school district, county office of education, and charter school have at least one gender-neutral bathroom accessible to all students during school hours and functions. The law also requires signage, accessibility, and a designated staff member to ensure compliance. State Senator Josh Newman, who sponsored the law, hopes it becomes a model for other states. LGBTQ+ advocates praised the governor's action, emphasizing the importance of protecting the rights and safety of the LGBTQ+ community.
California Governor Gavin Newsom signed several bills aimed at bolstering protections for LGBTQ people, including laws focused on support for LGBTQ youth, cultural competency training for teachers, and creating an advisory task force. Another law requires schools to have at least one gender-neutral bathroom by 2026. However, Newsom faced criticism for vetoing a bill that would have required judges to consider a parent's affirmation of their child's gender identity in custody decisions. The veto comes amid ongoing political battles over transgender rights across the country.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a law requiring all public schools in the state to provide gender-neutral bathrooms. The legislation expands on an existing law that allows students to use the bathroom corresponding to their gender identity. The new law explicitly mandates the inclusion of a gender-neutral option, inspired by an attempt by a school district to restrict transgender students' access to certain facilities. This law is part of a package of bills aimed at protecting LGBTQ+ youths and comes amidst culture wars in conservative-controlled school boards. Newsom's signing of these bills follows criticism for vetoing a bill that would have considered a parent's support of a child's gender identity in custody battles.