Two California laws — AB 5 and AB 130 — now require every 7th–12th grade teacher and certificated school employee to complete annual LGBTQ “cultural competency” training. The curriculum, called PRISM, was developed by activist groups in partnership with the California Department of Education and the Los Angeles County Office of Education.

The training instructs educators to use students’ “preferred pronouns,” affirm “gender transitions,” and keep students’ gender identities secret from parents. Traditional Christian beliefs about sexuality are labeled “homophobic” or “transphobic.” Teachers must complete a test ensuring they echo the state-approved views on gender and sexuality.

Brett Loring, a former principal and current director of student services in Northern California, called it “programming, not training.”

“It’s telling teachers what to think and how to respond to students, no matter what their own beliefs or the parents’ beliefs are,” Loring told the California Family Council. “If you believe there are only two genders, they call you transphobic… and shut down real discussion.”

Even school board members have been blocked from reviewing PRISM materials. One was reportedly told by a superintendent that the Department of Education “will not allow” access to the PRISM curriculum — despite it being paid for with $2.4 million in taxpayer funds.

The California Family Council says the program twists privacy laws and federal guidelines to promote an ideology that denies biological reality.

“This so-called ‘training’ isn’t about inclusion — it’s about indoctrination,” warned CFC Vice President Greg Burt. “It’s designed to shame anyone who holds biblical beliefs about sex, marriage, and what it means to be male or female. The state is funding a worldview that breeds hostility toward Christianity and undermines the moral foundation of our schools and families.”

College Students Face the Same Pressure

In a similar vein, the University of California (UC) system rolled out the SHAPE program — Sexual Harassment, Anti-Discrimination, Prevention, and Education — in June 2025. Students must complete the one-hour training and pass a quiz with 100% to register for classes.

One quiz question presents this scenario: “My name is Mona, and I am transgender. My classmate Jane continues to call me James, which was my name before I transitioned. … I feel disrespected and want this to stop. What type of prohibited conduct can this be?”

Notice that the question implies that using the person’s given name is wrong.

SHAPE goes far beyond legal mandates, redefining harassment to include mere disagreement with transgender ideology. The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) has raised concerns about the program being used to silence religious and political dissent across all ten UC campuses.

From Education to Indoctrination

California’s new education framework is turning learning institutions into ideological echo chambers. By labeling disagreement as discrimination, the state is effectively enforcing a woke political worldview.

The California Family Council describes both programs — PRISM and SHAPE — as two sides of the same coin. One targets teachers, the other targets students. Both demand ideological conformity.

“California’s classrooms used to teach critical thinking,” Burt said. “Now they’re testing for it — and failing anyone who still believes in truth.”

What You Can Do

• Pray for wisdom and protection for students and educators facing these programs.
• Stay informed about school and university policies, curricula, and legislative changes.
• Stand firm in biblical truth when discussing gender and sexuality with children, students, and peers.

While California’s education system may be enforcing conformity in classrooms, awareness and faith-filled action can help ensure that truth, clarity, and biblical values continue to have a voice in schools and universities.