Oppose Attacks on LGBTQ+ Students – Stop H.R. 2616 & H.R. 2617
Congress is moving forward with legislation that would put LGBTQ+ students in public schools at serious risk. The PROTECT Kids Act (H.R. 2616) would require schools to obtain parental consent before acknowledging a student's gender identity in any official capacity — including pronoun use, preferred names, and access to appropriate facilities like bathrooms and locker rooms. A companion bill, the Say No to Indoctrination Act (H.R. 2617), has been folded into H.R. 2616 and would go even further, amending the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to enshrine a strict biological definition of sex into federal education law.
Together, these bills would strip federal funding from any school that so much as acknowledges the existence of LGBTQ+ students or staff. A teacher using a student's preferred pronoun, a counselor offering affirming support, or a school recognizing an LGBTQ+ club could all become grounds for losing critical federal education dollars. The result is effectively a nationwide "Don't Say Gay" law — one with severe financial consequences for schools that try to protect their most vulnerable students.
The real-world harm of these policies is well-documented. Forced outing of LGBTQ+ youth can expose them to family rejection, abuse, and serious mental health crises. Affirming environments in schools, on the other hand, are proven to save lives. These bills would criminalize that support and leave LGBTQ+ students without the safety nets they depend on. Lawmakers need to hear from constituents now — a House vote is expected this week.
View Call Scripts
Live Call Script
Hello, I am an assistant calling on behalf of a constituent, {{first_name}} {{last_name}} from {{city}}, {{state}} zip code {{zip_code}}. I'm calling to urge {{representative_name}} to vote NO on H.R. 2616, the PROTECT Kids Act, and the Say No to Indoctrination Act, which has been incorporated into it. These bills would force schools to out LGBTQ+ students to their parents without consent, and would cut federal funding from any school that offers even basic acknowledgment or support to LGBTQ+ youth. Research is clear that affirming environments save lives — and these bills would take that away. Please stand up for the safety and dignity of all students and oppose this legislation.
Voicemail Version
I am calling on behalf of {{first_name}} {{last_name}}, a constituent from {{city}}, {{state}} {{zip_code}}. This message is to urge {{representative_name}} to vote NO on H.R. 2616, the PROTECT Kids Act. This bill — along with the Say No to Indoctrination Act folded into it — would endanger LGBTQ+ students by forcing schools to out them and stripping funding from schools that offer any form of support or affirmation. Please oppose this harmful legislation. You may contact me at {{phone_number}} to discuss further.