Imprint Founder Speaks Out on Pronoun Law

Imprint Legal Group Founder and Title IX expert Jessica Heiser was quoted in several national news outlets this month regarding Indiana’s new “Pronoun Law.”

Heiser was the only attorney to go on the record discussing the burden HB 1608 places on educators, who have enough on their plates already.

Under the new I.C. 20-33-7.5, schools are obligated to notify a parent when a student requests a change to their name, pronoun, or title, but important words like “request,” “change,” and “name” are not legally defined, leading to massive confusion and administrative burden. The “Pronoun Law” may also conflict with schools’ obligations under Title IX and the requirement to keep students free from abuse.

“School administrators and educators want to work hand-in-hand with parents and caregivers. We all know children do best when school and home life are aligned. But this law . . . doesn’t achieve the goal of working together,” Heiser said.

The story was picked up by multiple national outlets as Indiana’s students and educators went back to school in August 2023.

Jessica Heiser is the Founder & Lead Project Attorney of Imprint Legal Group, a boutique law and consulting firm focused on protected class law for organizations. She has trained thousands of educators on laws and culture regarding LGBTQIA+ issues.

Imprint Legal Group partners with schools and organizations to create inclusive spaces while complying with state and federal laws. To provide training for your school or parent group or discuss any questions about your particular situation, contact: hello@imprintlegalgroup.com.

All posts of Imprint Legal Group and its authors are intended as information, not legal advice. This information is valid as of August 2023.