Moore Schools requires teachers to notify parents if students change gender pronouns

The Moore County Schools Board of Education on Monday passed the Parents’ Bill of Rights policy, which requires faculty members and teachers to notify a student’s legal guardian about a name or pronoun change before calling that student by the requested change.

The change means teachers in Moore County Schools can no longer keep a student's decision to change gender pronouns a secret unless informing the parent puts the student in danger.

Supporters and opponents spoke about the policy, which passed with a 6-1 vote, in Monday night's board meeting.

People who oppose the policy voiced concerns that it targets the LGBTQ+ community.

"If you think your policies can target just the gay and trans kids, you are wrong," one speaker said. "What children see done to their peers, they feel is done to them. Don't pass policies that target and marginalize kids. And don't pass policies that keep them from talking to their teachers."

North Carolina lawmakers are considering similar restrictions on pronoun changes for students. The state Senate has already passed a bill to put them in place.

Those in support of the policy say parents have a right to know these things and that the bill is meant to keep parents involved and in charge of what's happening with their children.