The PROTECT Kids Act would require public elementary and middle schools that receive funding under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to obtain parental consent before making certain changes related to a minor student’s gender markers, pronouns, or preferred name on school forms, or before providing sex-based accommodations (such as locker rooms or bathrooms) that align with gender identity. In other words, if a school wants to change how a student is identified in official records or to place the student in sex-segregated facilities or arrangements, it would need the parent’s or guardian’s permission as a condition of receiving federal funds. The bill defines who is a “covered student” (elementary or middle-grade students) and ties key terms to ESEA definitions.
Key Points
- 1Parental consent requirement: Schools must obtain parental consent before changing a student’s gender markers, pronouns, or preferred name on any school form, or before providing sex-based accommodations (e.g., locker rooms or bathrooms) that align with gender identity.
- 2Funding condition: The requirement is a condition of receiving funds under the ESEA, meaning compliance could affect eligibility for federal education funds.
- 3Scope of students covered: Applies to minors in elementary school or middle grades.
- 4Definitions: Uses ESEA’s definitions for “elementary school,” “middle grades,” and “parent” to delimit who is affected.
- 5Relationship to school policy: The bill would compel administrative processes around student records and facilities tied to gender identity, potentially affecting how schools handle gender-related inquiries and accommodations.