California school settles lawsuit over mandatory gender-identity book in buddy program
A California federal court approved a settlement in a case where parents sued over a required classroom activity involving the book “My Shadow Is Pink.”
Parents of two fifth-grade students challenged a compulsory buddy-program class in Encinitas Union School District that used the book “My Shadow Is Pink,” which addresses gender identity. The program required the older students to mentor younger ones, watch a read-along video, and trace the kindergarteners’ shadows in colors they chose, an act the court deemed expressive speech protected by the First Amendment. Judge James Lorenz concluded the school likely violated the students’ free-speech rights and issued a preliminary injunction mandating notice and opt-out provisions for any future gender-identity content.
The case was settled shortly thereafter, resolving the dispute without a trial. Plaintiffs were represented by attorneys from the National Center for Law & Policy, First Liberty Institute, and Robert J Reynolds, APC.
Why it matters
It clarifies how schools must handle curriculum that touches on gender identity and students' free-speech rights.
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