Stop Secret Counseling of Students Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Luna, Anna Paulina [R-FL-13]
- Committees
- Education and Workforce Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Mar 18, 2026
Bottom line
This bill conditions federal education funding on schools ceasing gender identity-related counseling for minors and ensuring parental notification regarding a student's gender identity or social transition, while also providing parents a legal avenue for enforcement.
What it actually does
This bill amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to prohibit federal funds from being provided to public elementary and secondary schools that offer counseling, therapy, or guidance related to gender identity to students under 18 years of age, including assistance with gender support or social transition plans. It also mandates that school employees or contractors may not encourage or guide students to hide gender identity or social transition information from parents. Furthermore, the bill grants parents a civil right of action for injunctive relief against schools violating these requirements.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue this bill upholds parental rights by ensuring parents are fully informed about and involved in their children's gender identity discussions at school. They contend that schools should not facilitate gender-related counseling or social transitions for minors without parental consent or knowledge, asserting that such sensitive topics are best addressed within the family unit or by private professionals chosen by parents.
Opponents contend
Opponents argue that this bill could harm LGBTQ+ youth by creating an unsupportive school environment and potentially outing students to unaccepting families, leading to increased risks of mental health issues, homelessness, and self-harm. They contend that school counselors play a vital role in providing confidential support and guidance to students, and that restricting this support could violate students' privacy and well-being.
The bill is very short and straightforward, allowing for quick comprehension by any interested reader.
Section 2(a), adding new Section 8549D(b)(1) to ESEA.
Prohibition on Gender-Related Counseling for Students Under 18
This provision forbids public elementary and secondary schools from using federal funds under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act if their employees or contractors provide counseling, therapy, or guidance related to gender identity to students under 18 years of age. This includes assisting students with creating gender support or social transition plans.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this provision ensures that schools do not overstep their role by engaging in sensitive gender identity discussions with minors without parental involvement, reserving such guidance for parents or private professionals.
Critics contend
Critics contend this provision removes a critical support system for vulnerable youth who may not have supportive home environments, potentially exacerbating mental health challenges and isolating students.
Tradeoffs
Balances parental rights and involvement in children's upbringing against a student's right to confidential support and privacy within the school setting.
Section 2(a), adding new Section 8549D(b)(2) to ESEA.
Prohibition on Hiding Gender Identity Information from Parents
This provision mandates that public elementary and secondary schools receiving federal ESEA funds must ensure that their employees or contractors do not encourage students to conceal information about their gender identity or social transition from their parents, nor provide guidance on how to do so.
Section 2(a), adding new Section 8549D(c) to ESEA.
Parental Civil Right of Action for Injunctive Relief
This provision grants parents of students the ability to file a civil action in any Federal district court of appropriate jurisdiction to seek injunctive relief against a public elementary or secondary school that violates the requirements regarding gender-related counseling or parental notification.