DOWNINGTOWN, Pa. – In response to a letter from the Independence Law Center and Alliance Defending Freedom, a Pennsylvania school district has rescinded its policy that hid social transitions of students from their parents.
ILC and ADF attorneys represent a client at Brandywine Virtual Academy, which is part of Chester County Intermediate Unit 24 School District. The district implemented a policy that mandated teachers hide students’ at-school “transition” from parents. Further, the policy required that staff affirm a student’s gender dysphoria by using the student’s preferred name and pronouns, compelling staff to speak messages in violation of the First and 14th Amendments. Additionally, a school database indicated whether a parent was aware of their child’s transition at school so that staff knew whether to withhold that information from parents. The policy stipulated that any staff member who did not comply would face disciplinary action.
“There is growing psychiatric evidence that affirming a child’s gender dysphoria at school by using incorrect pronouns and names sets a vulnerable child down a path with lifelong consequences,” said ADF Senior Counsel Tyson Langhofer. “Children across the country have suffered for too long because of the lies of gender ideology. Schools must cease participating in this dangerous experimentation on kids and respect the right of parents to direct the upbringing, education, and healthcare of their children.”
“Chester County School District unlawfully interfered with parents’ fundamental right to make decisions concerning their children’s care by actively hiding vital information from them,” said Independence Law Center Chief Counsel Randall Wenger. “Our client rightly advocated for the best interests of parents, children, and teachers alike, and now we’re pleased that district officials have rescinded their policy that violated multiple constitutionally protected freedoms.”
The letter explains that “in addition to constitutional violations associated with mandatory use of preferred pronouns, it is equally clear that a school cannot interfere with parental rights by rejecting a parent’s clearly articulated direction to use a child’s given name and pronouns that correspond to the child’s sex.”
- Pronunciation guide: Langhofer (LANG’-hoff-ur)
Alliance Defending Freedom is an alliance-building, non-profit legal organization committed to protecting religious freedom, free speech, parental rights, and the sanctity of life.
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