Huntington Beach Mayor Protects Parental Rights Against Gender Policies

Huntington Beach Mayor Gracey Van Der Mark is taking a stand for parental rights in response to California's recently enacted law, AB 1955, which mandates that schools keep students' gender transitions confidential from their parents. On August 6, Van Der Mark proposed an ordinance to designate Huntington Beach as a “Parents’ Right to Know” city, expressing her concerns about the implications of the law for families. “The state of California is one of the most dangerous states to raise a child,” she stated, emphasizing the need for parental involvement in their children's education. The city’s legal department has been tasked with developing strategies to safeguard parental rights in light of the new legislation, which Van Der Mark argues undermines parental authority. She aims to facilitate legal avenues for parents wishing to challenge the law, highlighting the financial burdens associated with such actions. “We want to do whatever we can to make it easier for the parents to fight for their parental rights,” she noted. Despite lacking direct jurisdiction over schools, Van Der Mark is committed to supporting parents who feel their rights are being infringed upon. She acknowledged that some schools are resisting the law, and she aims to empower parents to advocate for their values and beliefs in raising their children. Legal expert Harmeet Dhillon praised Van Der Mark's efforts, framing the issue as both a constitutional and human rights matter. With a personal connection to the community, having had six children in local public schools, Van Der Mark is determined to dedicate her tenure to opposing what she perceives as detrimental policies from the state government.