California Attorney General Rob Bonta said he does not see certain parental rights in the Constitution.
Bonta on Monday sued the Chino Valley Unified School District for its policy requiring parents be notified when a student requests the use of a name or pronoun different from their birth certificate or official record.
The law also applies to students’ request to use facilities or programs that do not align with the gender listed on school records. Bonta said the school district’s actions violate the state Constitution and California laws.
Speaking with the Fresno media on Tuesday, Bonta said he sued the district over its policies because children have constitutionally-protected rights, while parents do not have a constitutional right to know.
“I know that some on the right are trying to make some claims about rights that they believe they have. I don’t see that right in the Constitution. I do see the rights of children who have constitutional rights that are being trampled on and violated. They’re being put at risk, hurt and harmed. Put at risk of physical harm, emotional harm, mental harm. It is illegal. It’s a straight-up analysis,” Bonta said.
The Chino Valley case will be somewhat of a test. Several other school districts have also passed parental notification measures.
“(Parents have) all the rights given to them by the Government Code, the Education Code, the Constitution. I’ll tell you what, a right they don’t have. They don’t have the right to violate other people’s constitutional rights. No one has that right. And it is our job to protect the rights of those who are having their constitutional rights violated. That’s why they’re there. And that’s why I’m here and that’s why we’re involved in Chino,” Bonta said.
Considering Running for Governor
Bonta, appointed as AG in 2021, and winning election in 2022, is considering a new job in 2026 — governor.
“I am officially, seriously considering it. I am honored and grateful by those who have encouraged me to run, and I’m not focused on that now. I’m focused on the work of the attorney general,” Bonta said.
