A landmark federal court ruling has permanently blocked California’s controversial Assembly Bill 1955, often dubbed the “Lying Teacher” law. U.S. District Court Judge Roger Benitez declared the 2024 legislation unconstitutional, restoring parents’ rights to be informed about their children’s gender identity at school and protecting teachers who share this information from state penalty. The decision is a significant legal blow to progressive gender policies and is set to reshape the ongoing national debate over parental authority in education.
Story Snapshot
- Judge Benitez declares California’s Assembly Bill 1955 unconstitutional.
- The ruling restores parents’ rights to know about their children’s gender identity at school.
- Teachers are now free to share information without fear of state retribution.
- The decision is a significant setback for progressive gender policies.
Judge Rules in Favor of Parental Rights
On December 23, 2025, U.S. District Court Judge Roger Benitez issued a groundbreaking summary judgment, declaring California’s Assembly Bill 1955 unconstitutional. This legislation, enacted in July 2024, mandated that teachers affirm students’ gender identities while keeping these changes confidential from parents. The ruling emphasizes that parents have a federal constitutional right to be informed about their children’s gender identity expressions at school, and teachers have the right to share this information.
AB 1955 was part of a broader framework in California addressing gender identity in schools, emphasizing student autonomy and confidentiality. However, the law faced criticism for prioritizing student confidentiality over parental rights. The recent ruling represents a shift in power dynamics, moving the authority from state education officials to parents and teachers regarding gender identity disclosures.
Legal Implications and National Impact
The ruling comes at a time when the nation is engaged in a heated debate over parental rights in education. With a precedent set by the U.S. Supreme Court in *Mahmoud v. Taylor*, which established parental notification rights in educational contexts, Judge Benitez’s decision reinforces the importance of parental involvement. The class-wide permanent injunction now applies statewide to all California education system employees, effectively halting the implementation of AB 1955.
This decision could influence other states considering similar parental notification laws. Schools must now balance student privacy expectations with parental rights, a complex issue that may affect the recruitment and retention of teachers, particularly those with religious objections to concealing information from parents.
Reactions and Future Developments
The Thomas More Society, which represented the plaintiffs, hailed the ruling as a historic victory that permanently blocks gender secrecy policies. They emphasized the constitutional rights of parents to be informed and teachers to communicate openly. The ruling is expected to prompt school districts to revise policies and training materials to comply with the new legal landscape.
LGBTQ+ students may face reduced confidentiality regarding gender identity at school, possibly leading to family conflicts if parents are unsupportive. This ruling underscores the ongoing tension between progressive policies and conservative values, highlighting the need for careful consideration of both student autonomy and parental rights.
Sources:
Court Delivers Stunning Rebuke to California Schools: Cannot Hide Gender Transitions from Parents