During a recent school board meeting, community members voiced strong opposition to a controversial parental notification policy, often referred to as the \"outing policy.\" Angela Tlarzic, a school social worker, highlighted the severe mental health risks associated with the policy, citing alarming statistics that indicate 41% of LGBTQ youth have considered suicide due to discrimination and rejection. Tlarzic emphasized that forcing students to come out before they are ready could exacerbate their struggles and lead to tragic outcomes, urging board members to prioritize student safety over policy agendas.

Melanie Busar echoed these concerns, revealing that since the implementation of the outing policy, 1,000 children in Temecula have contacted a crisis hotline, a rate three times higher than in other communities without such a policy. She reported that 67% of these calls were from students fearful of being outed by teachers or peers, framing the situation as an epidemic that demands urgent attention.

Preston Miller criticized the board for persisting with the outing policy despite community opposition and legal challenges. He condemned the policy as discriminatory and harmful, arguing that it dehumanizes LGBTQ students and places them in unsafe situations. Miller called for a reevaluation of the policy, insisting that students should have the autonomy to disclose their identities when they feel safe and ready.

The meeting underscored a growing concern among community members about the implications of the outing policy on student mental health and safety, with calls for immediate action to protect vulnerable youth.