Delaware is preparing to pass a rule that would allow the state’s students to “choose” their own race and gender without the approval or knowledge of parents.

With Regulation 225, gay and transgender advocates are seeking to make state schools “more welcoming” to transgender students, but parents say the rule infringes on parental rights, Fox News reported.

The rule allows students to make their own decision of what “gender” they are for the use of bathrooms and sports facilities that comport with their assumed “gender identity.”

Rule 225 does not require schools to inform parents of a child’s decision to change genders. Indeed, instead of relying on parental decisions, school officials are authorized to approve a student’s decision to assume a different gender.

Transgender activist Mark Purpura praised the proposed rule, saying it is made in the “best interest of the child” and helps support kids “living in fear” of their parents.

But many citizens oppose the rule. During the public comment period about the measure, more than 11,000 Delaware citizens spoke up in opposition to the rule.

Delaware’s Democrat Gov. John Carney supports the measure, but State Rep. Rich Collins (R-Millsboro) opposes it, calling it “onerous” and “confusing.” He also insisted that the current anti-discrimination laws on the books are perfectly sufficient to guide schools on the subject.

If the rule is approved, Delaware will become 1 of 18 states to enact rules or laws to address gender identification.

It is unclear if anyone violating this rule would be open to prosecution.

Follow Warner Todd Huston on Twitter @warnerthuston.