HB1468

The 'Given Name Act' establishes regulations regarding the use of names, pronouns, and titles in public schools and state-supported higher education institutions in Arkansas. It prohibits school employees from using a name, pronoun, or title for a student or person that is inconsistent with their biological sex or birth certificate without written parental consent for students under eighteen. The bill protects faculty and employees from adverse employment actions if they decline to use a name, pronoun, or title that does not align with an individual's biological sex or birth certificate. Furthermore, it protects students from disciplinary action for declining to use such names or pronouns when referring to others. The act grants individuals harmed by violations of these provisions the right to seek legal remedies, including injunctive relief, monetary damages, and attorney's fees. The legislation characterizes these actions as protected free speech and academic expression.