Save the SAFETY Act: Protect California Students and Families

California's students and families deserve safe schools. California's educators deserve the freedom to support students without political interference. Today, those protections are under attack.

The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has granted an injunction blocking enforcement of Assembly Bill 1955, known as the SAFETY Act, in City of Huntington Beach v. Newsom. While the case originated in Huntington Beach, the consequences extend far beyond a single city. This decision threatens protections for students and educators in every public school district across California.

AB 1955 was designed to ensure that students can seek support from trusted adults at school without fear of being involuntarily disclosed or exposed. The law also protects teachers and school staff from being disciplined simply because they choose not to participate in policies that force them to monitor, report, or disclose a student's gender identity without the student's consent.

Despite repeated misinformation from opponents of the law, California has never prohibited teachers from communicating with parents about students. AB 1955 does not prevent educators from speaking with families. Instead, it prevents school boards from punishing educators who choose not to participate in mandatory outing policies.

The injunction marks the latest effort by national political organizations to dismantle California's protections for LGBTQ+ youth. Outside litigation groups, including America First Legal, have repeatedly targeted state laws that safeguard student privacy, dignity, and well-being. This latest ruling follows recent legal developments and reflects a broader strategy to erode protections for vulnerable students through the courts.

The stakes could not be higher.

Research consistently shows that supportive school environments improve student safety, mental health, attendance, and academic outcomes. Policies that force disclosure of sensitive information can place students at risk, particularly when family circumstances are uncertain or unsafe. Educators are trained to support students as individuals, not serve as agents of political agendas.

At Our Schools USA, we believe every student deserves to feel safe, respected, and supported at school. We believe educators should be trusted to exercise professional judgment in the best interests of their students. And we believe decisions affecting student well-being should be guided by evidence, compassion, and educational expertise, not political pressure.

The fight to defend the SAFETY Act is far from over.

California's students, families, educators, and community members must stand together to protect safe and inclusive schools. We urge policymakers, education leaders, and advocates across the state to support efforts to restore and defend the protections established by AB 1955.

Every student deserves a school environment where they can learn without fear. Every educator deserves the ability to support students without facing punishment for acting with compassion and professionalism.

Join us in defending California's commitment to safe schools for all.

Save the SAFETY Act. Protect Students. Support Educators. Defend Safe Schools.