PRESS RELEASE: New Research Reveals Most Public Schools Are Violating State Law on Radical Gender Ideology
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 16, 2025
BOISE, ID — Idaho Family Policy Center, a pro-family Christian ministry, today released research showing that most Idaho public school districts are failing to comply with a new state law restricting classroom instruction on radical gender ideology.
House Bill 352 – which was adopted by the Idaho Legislature earlier this year – requires public schools to adopt policies and procedures prohibiting classroom instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity that is either age-inappropriate or developmentally inappropriate for the grade level.
The legislation was sponsored by Rep. Dale Hawkins (R–Fernwood) and Sen. Cindy Carlson (R–Riggins), and it was intended to build upon the momentum created by President Donald Trump’s executive order to eradicate federally funded radical gender ideology in public schools nationwide. During legislative debate on House Bill 352, Idaho legislators also expressed their goal to reinforce parental rights and restore trust between parents and schools.
However, most Idaho school districts are violating the clear requirements of the new law, according to public records requests filed by Idaho Family Policy Center:
Only 38.3% of public school districts that responded (41 out of 107) have adopted policies complying with the law
A staggering 61.7% of public school districts that responded (66 out of 107) had failed to adopt policies complying with the law
School districts had until July 1, 2025 – the effective date of the legislation – to adopt the necessary policies.
In response to these findings, Idaho Family Policy Center plans to support legislation in the upcoming legislative session that would address the widespread failure of public schools to comply with the spirit of House Bill 352.
The findings are available in Policy Memorandum: Eliminating Radical Gender Instruction in Idaho Public Schools, which can be found here at IdahoFamily.org.
A statement from Blaine Conzatti, President of Idaho Family Policy Center:
Conversations on sexual orientation and radical gender ideology belong in the family room, not the classroom. Yet many schools across the state are flouting state law that restricts instruction on these controversial topics—prioritizing radical gender ideology over the well-being of our children. Idaho Family Policy Center calls on the Idaho Legislature to act quickly and address such blatant disregard for state law.
A statement from Edward Clark, policy analyst for Idaho Family Policy Center:
The Idaho Legislature upheld its constitutional and biblical mandate by passing House Bill 352—acknowledging that the authority to direct education rightly belongs to parents. But too many public schools insist that they know better than parents, with many acting as though parental rights must play second fiddle to radical gender indoctrination. This is unacceptable, and we look forward to working with Idaho legislators to set matters right.
A statement from Rep. Dale Hawkins (R-Fernwood), legislative sponsor of House Bill 352:
The Idaho Legislature worked hard to pass House Bill 352, which restores the right of parents to teach certain subjects in the home that don’t belong in the classroom. But now that we’ve discovered most Idaho schools think they’re above the law, it’s time to take action. It’s unacceptable that so many Idaho schools are ignoring the law.
A statement from Sen. Cindy Carlson (R-Riggins), legislative sponsor of House Bill 352:
School districts must comply with Idaho laws—and those that are failing to comply with House Bill 352 need to be penalized financially. Parents should never fear that their children will be exposed to age-inappropriate gender ideology in public school classrooms.
Media Contact:
For questions or to schedule an interview with Blaine Conzatti or Edward Clark, please contact our communications team at (208) 260-5844 or [email protected].
About IFPC:
Idaho Family Policy Center is a ministry that advances the lordship of Christ in the public square through engaging the church, promoting God-honoring public policy, and training statesmen.
As the premier conservative Christian policy research and educational organization in the state, IFPC is working to promote biblically sound public policy that protects the sanctity of life, safeguards religious freedom, strengthens parental rights, recognizes biblical truths in sexuality and gender, and stimulates economic opportunity.
