The Encinitas Union School District in California has settled a 2024 parental-rights lawsuit by agreeing to give parents at least three days’ advance notice and an opt-out option before any “buddy program” activities that promote gender ideology. Parents Carlos and Jenny Encinas sued after their 11-year-old son was required to participate in lessons, including reading a book about a boy with a “pink shadow,” that conflicted with their Christian beliefs.
The family faced harassment and ultimately pulled their children from the district. In May 2025, a federal judge granted a preliminary injunction enforcing notice and opt-out rights, citing Supreme Court precedent that schools cannot compel speech violating religious conscience. The district dropped its appeal this week and committed to comply.
First Liberty attorney Kayla Toney called it a clear victory: the district “saw the writing on the wall” after the Supreme Court’s ruling in Mahmoud v. Taylor reinforced parental-notification requirements. Carlos Encinas described the outcome as “a big win” for families.The family plans to continue the lawsuit for permanent protections, while other local parents have thanked them for pushing the district to respect religious freedom and parental rights.
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