1. United States
2. Ariz.
3. Letter

This bill, SB1166, undermines the wellbeing and safety of transgender and gender non-conforming students in Arizona public schools. Requiring schools to notify parents any time a child is referred to by their correct name and pronouns, and allowing staff to refuse to use those identifiers based on personal beliefs, promotes discrimination and stigmatization. Transgender youth already face heightened risks of depression, anxiety, and suicidality - this policy will only exacerbate those alarming disparities. As a state committed to providing all students with a supportive learning environment free from harassment and marginalization, Arizona must reject legislation that directly targets and harms LGBTQ+ youth. We urge you to vote against SB1166 and protect the rights, dignity and mental health of Arizona's transgender and gender non-conforming students.