Parents Have No Constitutional Right to Know About Student Gender Changes, California AG Says

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California Attorney General Rob Bonta said he does not see certain parental rights in the Constitution.

Bonta on Monday sued the Chino Valley Unified School District for its policy requiring parents be notified when a student requests the use of a name or pronoun different from their birth certificate or official record.

The law also applies to students’ request to use facilities or programs that do not align with the gender listed on school records. Bonta said the school district’s actions violate the state Constitution and California laws.

Speaking with the Fresno media on Tuesday, Bonta said he sued the district over its policies because children have constitutionally-protected rights, while parents do not have a constitutional right to know.

“I know that some on the right are trying to make some claims about rights that they believe they have. I don’t see that right in the Constitution. I do see the rights of children who have constitutional rights that are being trampled on and violated. They’re being put at risk, hurt and harmed. Put at risk of physical harm, emotional harm, mental harm. It is illegal. It’s a straight-up analysis,” Bonta said.

The Chino Valley case will be somewhat of a test. Several other school districts have also passed parental notification measures.

“(Parents have) all the rights given to them by the Government Code, the Education Code, the Constitution. I’ll tell you what, a right they don’t have. They don’t have the right to violate other people’s constitutional rights. No one has that right. And it is our job to protect the rights of those who are having their constitutional rights violated. That’s why they’re there. And that’s why I’m here and that’s why we’re involved in Chino,” Bonta said.

Bonta, appointed as AG in 2021, and winning election in 2022, is considering a new job in 2026 — governor.

“I am officially, seriously considering it. I am honored and grateful by those who have encouraged me to run, and I’m not focused on that now. I’m focused on the work of the attorney general,” Bonta said.

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Curiosity drives David Taub.The award-winning journalist might be shy, but feels mighty with a recorder in his hand. He doesn't see it his job to "hold public officials accountable," but does see it to provide readers (and voters) the information needed to make intelligent choices.Taub has been honored with several writing awards from the California News Publishers Association. He's just happy to have his stories read.Joining GV Wire in 2016, Taub covers politics, government and elections, mainly in the Fresno/Clovis area. He also writes columns about local eateries (Appetite for Fresno), pro wrestling (Off the Bottom Rope), and media (Media Man).Prior to joining the online news source, Taub worked as a radio producer for KMJ and PowerTalk 96.7 in Fresno. He also worked as an assignment editor for KCOY-TV in Santa Maria, California, and KSEE-TV in Fresno. He has also worked behind the scenes for several sports broadcasts, including the NCAA basketball tournament, and the Super Bowl.When not spending time with his family, Taub loves to officially score Fresno Grizzlies games.Growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area, Taub is a die-hard Giants and 49ers fan. He graduated from the University of Michigan with dual degrees in communications and political science. Go Blue!You can contact David at 559-492-4037 or at Send an Email