In a dramatic showdown near Los Angeles City Hall, a parental rights group and an LGBTQ organization clashed over the issue of parental notification policies in public schools.

The parental rights group, known as Leave Our Kids Alone (LOKA), is advocating for increased transparency between schools and parents regarding their children’s gender identity and sexual orientation.

The confrontation, which took place outside the Los Angeles Unified School District headquarters, was marked by passionate displays from both sides.

LOKA members proudly waved American flags and held signs championing parental rights.

Meanwhile, their opponents from Ground Game LA and Queer Nation Los Angeles rallied in support of existing school policies. These policies allow staff discretion in sharing sensitive information about students’ gender identity and sexual orientation with parents.

The situation escalated to such an extent that police had to establish skirmish lines to separate the two groups, which had swelled to hundreds of participants.

The tension reached a boiling point, resulting in three arrests. However, it remains unclear whether those arrested were part of either protest group.

LOKA, which emerged on social media in June, has been actively sending supporters to school-related meetings across California. They argue against what they perceive as secretive and potentially harmful practices by the district.

Their call to action resonated with more than 200 people who joined the protest, setting the stage for a conflict with the LGBTQ groups who had issued a counter-call just days later.

The LGBTQ coalition opposes LOKA’s proposed parental notification policies, arguing that they could put LGBTQ+ students at risk if their families are not accepting of their gender identity.

This clash of viewpoints led to a volatile situation that threatened to devolve into a full-blown riot at several points.

Despite the unrest, the Los Angeles Unified School District reaffirmed its commitment to inclusivity and respect for all students.

In a statement, a spokesperson said, “Every student in the District deserves to be treated with dignity, respect, and care and have their entire self celebrated and accepted.”

However, LOKA continues to voice concerns about the lack of transparency in schools. They argue that parents should be informed about their children’s experiences and have a say in what ideologies are taught in schools.

This incident is just one of many instances where LOKA has protested against policies that they believe forcibly ‘out’ LGBTQ+ kids and remove LGBTQ materials from classrooms.

As this contentious issue continues to unfold, it’s clear that the debate over parental rights and LGBTQ+ protections in schools is far from over.