Dear Colleague:

Affirmation of Continued Protections on the Basis of Gender, Gender Expression, Gender Identity, and Sexual Orientation

We are aware of a “Dear Colleague” letter sent this morning by the United States Department of Education, taking a backward step on Title IX protections that ensure students’ rights to access education and school activities free from discrimination.

In California, “all” still means all. While the Trump Education Department announced that they will no longer protect all students from discrimination, California law is unaffected by recent changes to federal policy and continues to provide safeguards against discrimination and harassment based on gender, gender expression, gender identity, and sexual orientation. While federal guidance devolves, our commitment to safeguarding the rights of all students persists.

For additional resources or information regarding gender equity, please reach out to TitleIX@cde.ca.gov.

Thank you for your continued efforts to support every child’s full access to educational opportunity.

Sincerely,

Tony Thurmond
State Superintendent of Public Instruction