PFLAG LA Opposes H.R. 2616 Targeting Transgender Students and Inclusive Schools
Federal bill would undermine support for gender expansive youth and censor classroom instruction.
LOS ANGELES, CA (July 30, 2026) — PFLAG Los Angeles – the L.A. chapter of the nation's largest organization dedicated to supporting, educating, and advocating for and with LGBTQ+ people and those who love them – strongly opposes H.R. 2616, the Stopping Indoctrination and Protecting Kids Act.
The proposed legislation would require parental consent before schools could recognize a student's affirmed name or pronouns. It would also restrict federally funded schools from providing instruction related to gender identity and sexual orientation. The bill has passed the U.S. House of Representatives and now awaits consideration in the U.S. Senate.
"H.R. 2616 would make schools less safe for many students," said Farrah Dodes (she/her), President of PFLAG Los Angeles. "Schools should be places where every student can focus on learning, knowing they will be treated with dignity and respect. Policies that prevent educators from acknowledging who students are or force schools to choose between supporting students and keeping federal funding move us in the wrong direction."
"H.R. 2616 would make schools less safe for many students," said Farrah Dodes (she/her), President of PFLAG Los Angeles. "Schools should be places where every student can focus on learning, knowing they will be treated with dignity and respect. Policies that prevent educators from acknowledging who students are or force schools to choose between supporting students and keeping federal funding move us in the wrong direction."
If enacted, H.R. 2616 would require schools receiving federal education funding to obtain parental consent before recognizing a student's affirmed name or pronouns or updating certain school records. It would also restrict the use of federal funds for instruction related to what the bill defines as "gender ideology." Together, those provisions could discourage schools from supporting transgender and gender expansive students, limit access to inclusive educational materials, and create uncertainty for educators working to foster safe and welcoming classrooms.
"Every family deserves honest information and the opportunity to support their child with compassion," Dodes added. "This bill replaces trust and collaboration with fear and confusion. Students thrive when families and educators work together to create learning environments where every young person feels safe, respected, and valued."
PFLAG Los Angeles remains committed to supporting LGBTQ+ people, their families, and allies through education, advocacy, and support. We urge lawmakers to reject policies that isolate transgender and gender expansive youth and instead advance solutions that strengthen student well-being, family engagement, and safe learning environments for every child.
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About PFLAG
PFLAG is an organization of LGBTQ+ people, parents, families, and allies who work together to create an equitable and inclusive world. We are hundreds of thousands of people and hundreds of chapters from coast to coast who are leading with love to support families, educate allies, and advocate for just, equitable, and inclusive legislation and policies. Since our founding in 1973, PFLAG works every day to ensure LGBTQ+ people everywhere are safe, celebrated, empowered, and loved. Learn more, find support, donate, and take action at pflag.org.
In Los Angeles, LGBTQ+ people and those who love them are served by PFLAG Los Angeles. Connect with PFLAG Los Angeles at pflagla.org.
