ACPeds Files Amicus Brief in Mirabelli v. Bonta to Defend Parental Rights in California Schools

For Immediate Release:
September 2, 2026

For More Information Contact:
media@acpeds.org

ACPeds Files Amicus Brief in Mirabelli v. Bonta to Defend Parental Rights in California Schools

Medical organization files amicus brief challenging California policy that keeps parents in the dark about a child’s sex-identity distress at school

Atlanta, GA — Today, the American College of Pediatricians submitted an amicus brief in the Mirabelli v. Bonta case. The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals will decide whether to uphold an injunction against California’s policy prohibiting school employees from informing parents when their children ask to be addressed by a different name or opposite sex pronouns, or otherwise present themselves as being of the opposite sex at school.

Dr. Jill Simons, Executive Director of ACPeds released the following statement:

“ACPeds is proud to support Mrs. Mirabelli and the other California parents who have challenged this policy. We look forward to the Ninth Circuit upholding the injunction and putting an end to a dangerous practice that undermines the fundamental rights of parents and ignores the basic health needs of the children in California schools.

So-called ‘social affirmation’ can have serious psychological effects for children experiencing sex-identity distress. As the Supreme Court has already noted in this very case, parents have ‘the right not to be shut out of participation in decisions regarding their children’s mental health.’ Yet California’s policy does exactly that, punishing teachers who refuse to participate in such secrecy and withholding from parents information they may need to secure appropriate mental health care for their children.”

BiologicalIntegrity.com, a project of ACPeds, is a reliable medical resource providing evidence-based information about sex-identity distress for parents, teens, physicians, schools, and policymakers. Read ACPeds’ fact sheet on so-called “social affirmation” here.

To arrange an interview with Dr. Simons, please email media@acpeds.org.

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About the American College of Pediatricians

The American College of Pediatricians is a medical membership organization of pediatricians and healthcare professionals who care for children across 47 states and 5 countries. We promote the optimal health and well-being of all children through evidence-based medicine.

For more information, please visit our website at www.acpeds.org.