H.R. 7981: Stop Secret Counseling of Students Act

This bill, known as the Stop Secret Counseling of Students Act, seeks to impose restrictions on the types of counseling and guidance that public elementary and secondary schools can provide to students under 18 years old regarding their gender identity. Here’s a breakdown of its key provisions:

Prohibition on Gender-Related Counseling

The bill stipulates that public elementary and secondary schools will not receive federal funds if they engage in specific counseling, therapy, or guidance related to gender identity for students under 18. This includes:

• Providing counseling or therapy that addresses a student's gender identity.
• Helping students develop plans for social transitions related to their gender identity.

Parental Involvement

Furthermore, the bill prohibits school employees or contractors from:

• Encouraging students to keep their gender identity or social transition plans hidden from their parents.
• Providing guidance on how to conceal such information from parents.

Civil Action for Violations

Parents are granted the right to take legal action against public schools if they believe there has been a violation of these rules concerning their child. This means that if a school does not comply with the outlined requirements, parents could seek a court order to prevent such actions from continuing.

Impact on Funding

The act aims to ensure that any public school failing to adhere to these requirements risks losing federal funding under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965.

Implementation

The bill will require updates to the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to formally establish these prohibitions and requirements in law.

Summary

This legislation is focused on regulating how public schools approach counseling related to gender identity for students under 18 and ensuring parental involvement in any discussions surrounding their children's gender-related issues.

Relevant Companies

None found.