Ranking Member Scott Slams Bill That Puts Trans Kids in Harm’s Way

Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to H.R. 2616, the so-called Stopping Indoctrination and Protecting Kids Act, because the name bears little resemblance to what the bill actually does. What it does is require schools to obtain parental consent before changing a student's gender, markers, pronouns, or preferred name on any school form, or changing a student's sex-based accommodations, including locker rooms or bathrooms, and that's for all students in middle school or elementary school. This bill would prohibit the use of federal funds to teach so-called gender ideology, whatever that is. Specifically, it bars any discussion of transgender people or topics in the classroom, banning books with transgender characters, or even discuss the existence of transgender people. It is well-established in statute that states and districts determine what their curriculum is without interference from the federal government. This bill takes away state and local control of curriculum on education, the very thing that the current administration claims they're giving back to states by illegally dismantling the Department of Education. Parental involvement is important, and I support that, and it works in virtually all cases, but this bill is not about involvement. It's about federal coercion, forcing schools in a situation where they may have to disclose sensitive information about a student, even when they know it could put that child's safety at risk. And it goes beyond theory. It just creates absurd situations. For example, my name is Robert. I go by Bobby. Under this bill, my middle school coach would need parental permission before listing me as Bobby on the sports roster. And what if they write Rob instead? Would they have to go back and get parental consent? This bill fails to clarify key questions, such as whether both parents must be notified and give permission, and who will oversee these requirements if the administration continues to illegally dismantle the Department of Education. What it does make clear is, if the school gets it wrong, they risk losing federal funding. That's not protecting kids. It won't make trans students disappear. It's just micromanaging schools and wasting everybody's time. This bill does nothing to improve literacy, improve teacher shortages, promote safe learning environments, support student mental health, or otherwise improve education. The bill is unnecessary, overbroad, and potentially harmful, so I urge my colleagues to oppose it and reserve the balance of my time.