What California’s all-gender restroom law means for Sacramento schools this year
California schools are required under state law to have at least one all-gender restroom on each school site by July 1.
Passed in 2023, Senate Bill 760 was signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom as part of a set of legislation supporting the state’s LGBTQ+ community.
“These measures will help protect vulnerable youth, promote acceptance, and create more supportive environments in our schools and communities,” said Newsom in September 2023.
Now, nearly two years later, Sacramento school districts are preparing to begin the school year under the law’s compliance requirements.
The law goes into effect as gender-inclusive policies face renewed scrutiny at the federal level, with the Trump administration moving to roll back protections for transgender students and challenge school policies that recognize gender identity.
Sacramento City Unified School District
SCUSD says only two sites remain with an all-gender bathroom — Nicolas and Oak Ridge elementary schools — and the work will be completed as part of its summer facility improvement projects before the new school year begins.
SCUSD, which serves over 80 schools and nearly 42,000 students, says it has spent more than $100,000 on parts and labor to bring its school sites into compliance, with each new door lock costing about $2,500.
“All restrooms in schools need to be unlocked and available to students during school hours unless there is a necessary reason, such as pupil safety or to conduct repairs,” said district spokesperson Alexander Goldberg.
Twin Rivers Unified School District
Twin Rivers Unified says every school in the district has an all-gender restroom available for students.
The exact costs were not tracked separately, the district said, but the work included signage, door hardware and labor.
“Each site has been directed to ensure that all-gender restrooms remain unlocked and accessible during school hours and school events and to communicate this to students and families,” said Zenobia Gerald, a spokesperson for the district.
Twin Rivers Unified serves 49 schools and over 31,500 students.
Folsom Cordova Unified School District
Folsom Cordova Unified says all of its schools have accessible gender-neutral restrooms, in accordance with SB 760.
The district, which serves 37 schools and about 22,000 students, said it considers gender-neutral restrooms “as part of new construction and modernization projects where required or appropriate.”
“Our goal is to provide safe, accessible, and inclusive facilities for all students while ensuring projects meet applicable legal and building standards,” said Gammenia Vrioni, a spokesperson for the district.
