Board adopts resolution opposing AB 727 after safety concerns raised about Trevor Project platform

The Orange County Board of Education unanimously adopted a resolution opposing Assembly Bill 727 after trustees and public commenters raised safety and transparency concerns about the Trevor Project’s online platform. The resolution passed 5–0 following public discussion and references to law‑enforcement findings.

What trustees cited: Trustee George Valdez introduced the item and read a letter from the Riverside County Sheriff urging opposition to AB 727. The sheriff’s letter described a department member who was able to register on the Trevor Project platform posing as a 13‑year‑old, and then initiate private chats and view user‑posted images; the sheriff wrote the platform’s structure “forces both minors and adults to create false or obscured identities” and called that vulnerability “a classic set up for grooming or trafficking.” Trustee Valdez said those findings were decisive in prompting the board to take a formal position.

Board action: After discussion, Trustee Barkey moved and trustees conducted a roll‑call vote. Trustee Sparks — yes; Trustee Valdez — yes; Trustee Barkey — yes; Trustee Williams — yes; Trustee Shaw — yes. The resolution passed 5–0.

Why it matters: The resolution places the county board on record opposing the bill that would require the Trevor Project to be listed on student ID materials if enacted. Trustees framed the action as a child‑safety measure and asked the board’s Sacramento lobbyist to oppose the bill during the legislative process.