Public school teachers in Los Angeles are no longer required to affirm the gender identity of students. According to Liberty Counsel, the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) agreed to change the language of its certification. The updated statement now reads, “I am aware of LAUSD nondiscrimination policies, including those regarding students who identify as or are perceived as LGBTQ+.”
“The Los Angeles Unified School District did the right thing in changing its training certification language. Federal law is clear that teachers cannot be required to ‘affirm’ a student’s perceived gender identity or use inconsistent pronouns against their personal religious convictions,” said Liberty Counsel Founder and Chairman Mat Staver. “Title VII ensures that people cannot be forced to choose between their faith and their livelihood.”
LAUSD’s action follows Liberty Counsel sending a letter to the school district, declaring that the mandatory affirmation of LGBTQ violates federal law. “Several LAUSD educators hold traditional religious beliefs regarding sexuality, marriage, and God’s design for humankind,” the letter read. “A mandatory certification that requires affirmation of views contrary to those beliefs directly conflicts with their sincerely held religious convictions. Federal law protects employees from being compelled to choose between their employment and adherence to their faith.”
Teachers celebrated their ability to honor their religious beliefs. “When LAUSD implemented a mandatory LGBTQ training, I feared losing my job, yet I knew I had to stand firm in my faith and conviction,” one teacher said. “What a victory for religious liberty! Thank you, Liberty Counsel, for courageously defending the rights of believers and helping ensure that people of faith can remain true to their convictions in the workplace.”
Another teacher declared, Another sixth grade teacher said, “Thank you for advocating for me as a Christian Educator not to have to agree with the LGBTQ lifestyle.”
According to the California Department of Education, teachers are required to complete LGBTQ “cultural competency training.”
