As a result of Liberty Counsel’s demand letter, the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) is no longer requiring teachers to agree that they must “affirm and respect” all student gender identities to complete its mandatory LGBTQ+ cultural training certification. Instead, they are only required to acknowledge that they are aware of the district’s nondiscrimination policies. 

The online training, which includes lectures on gender ideology, required teachers in its final questionnaire to say “yes” to the following prompt: “I am aware that LAUSD policy requires me to affirm and respect the identifies of all students, including those who identify as LGBTQ+.” Failing to say “yes” to complete the certification training could have jeopardized a teacher’s job.

Liberty Counsel sent the June 8 letter on behalf of Christian educators in the LAUSD who hold traditional religious beliefs regarding God's design of human sexuality and marriage. As the letter reads, a mandatory certification that requires affirmation of views contrary to those beliefs raises serious concerns under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

“Federal law protects employees from being compelled to choose between their employment and adherence to their faith,” wrote Liberty Counsel.

Two days after receiving the letter, the LAUSD changed the language in its certification removing the requirement to acknowledge that they must “affirm” all gender identities. The updated questionnaire now reads: “I am aware of LAUSD nondiscrimination policies, including those regarding students who identify as or are perceived as LGBTQ+.” 

The change signifies that LAUSD educators only need to acknowledge what the district’s policy is, rather than accept and agree with it.

“When LAUSD implemented a mandatory LGBTQ training, I feared losing my job, yet I knew I had to stand firm in my faith and conviction,” said a sixth grade teacher. “What a victory for religious liberty! Thank you, Liberty Counsel, for courageously defending the rights of believers and helping ensure that people of faith can remain true to their convictions in the workplace.”

Another sixth grade teacher said, “Thank you for advocating for me as a Christian Educator not to have to agree with the LGBTQ lifestyle.” 

“I am deeply grateful to Liberty Counsel and their legal team for their immediate and compassionate help,” said an eleventh grade teacher. “When LAUSD required teachers to complete mandatory LGBTQ training that forced us to affirm policies conflicting with our Christian biblical beliefs, they stepped in swiftly. Their support brought peace, strength, and protection for our religious convictions, ensuring public schools respect Christian employees.”

Liberty Counsel’s Founder and Chairman Mat Staver said, “The Los Angeles Unified School District did the right thing in changing its training certification language. Federal law is clear that teachers cannot be required to ‘affirm’ a student’s perceived gender identity or use inconsistent pronouns against their personal religious convictions. Title VII ensures that people cannot be forced to choose between their faith and their livelihood.”