Federal officials have begun an investigation into the California Department of Education to withhold information about their children’s gender identity from parents’ information and hold a showdown between the state and President Trump, with billions of dollars in federal funds likely to be threatened.
The investigation announced Thursday morning by the U.S. Department of Education was essentially a California law signed by Gavin Newsom in July that prohibits schools from automatically notifying families about changes in students’ gender identity and blocks teachers’ retaliation against trans-sex students’ rights – opposing interpretations of federal laws adopted by the Trump administration.
Linda McMahon, secretary of the U.S. Department of Education, said it is best to protect children if there is no information from parents.
“Teachers and school counselors should not provide counseling services to minors for advice. “This is not only immoral, but may conflict with federal law in California schools to hide important information about parents and guardians,” McMahon said in a statement. ”
The potential fine is a loss of federal funds supervised by the Department of Education. This includes $2.1 billion in annual funding to offset the impact of household poverty and $1.33 billion in impacts to help educate students with disabilities.
California Department of Education officials were unable to immediately contact for comment early Thursday morning.
Trump issued a series of anti-perverted orders and policies, including Identify only two biological sexesdemand a refund or even commit a crime Gender affirmation medical For young people, the bathrooms for transgender people are prohibited and A sports team that does not match the gender of birth. Title with a command “End radical indoctrination in K-12 education”, Trump targets policies aimed at supporting trans, non-binary and other gender-incompetent students.
California. Rob Bonta vowed last month to defend the state educators and LGBTQ+ Students who oppose threats from the Trump administration say California laws need to remain intact in an inclusive school environment.
“California schools are and will remain a passionate, inclusive and safe place for all, No matter your sexual orientation “Gender identity or immigration status. The federal government has no decisions about what we teach, nor does it decide on courses. We do this in California,” Bonta said at the time.
California law, the law “Forced outings” are prohibited. Approved after several times School Board Through policy, educators are required to notify parents if their child has changed his name or pronoun, or students require use of facilities or participate in programs that do not meet formal records with their gender.
The “Parent Notice” policy has been divided nationwide. On the one hand, LGBTQ+ students advocates say students need (and have legal rights) to explore this personal issue in a safe space and should have the opportunity to decide when and how to tell parents. However, many parents feel they have an uncompromising right to know if their children are changing their gender identity or exploring possibilities – schools must tell them.
In her statement, McMahon suggested that parent notifications are a necessary step to prevent school staff from indoctrinating harmful.
“The agency began today’s investigation to vigorously protect parents’ rights and ensure students do not fall victim to radical transgender ideology, which often leads to family distancing and irreversible medical interventions,” McMahon said.
Many educators reject this trait – saying teachers are not trying to recruit students to change their identities. They insist that they are trying to accept students and encourage tolerance.
The Trump administration’s investigation is the latest shocking measure from the U.S. Department of Education, even in the current state of K-12 and higher education, his orders will be closed as soon as possible even under his orders.
Thursday’s action relies on the Trump administration’s interpretation of the Federal Rights to Education and Privacy Act (FERPA), which protects the privacy records of student education records through graduate schools.
The U.S. Department of Education has long been dealing with FERPA-related complaints filed by parents and others. Typically, personal information surrounding improper or underprotected is typical.
The case is different, said Madi Biedermann, a spokesman for the U.S. Department of Education.
“In the past, the conventional example of the FERPA investigation was about improper disclosure of student privacy information, which was about the lack of disclosure of privacy information, especially in order to disconnect parents from the cycle,” Bidman said.
Under the leadership of Ferpa, a school Parents must be provided There is an opportunity to check and review the child’s educational records within a reasonable time, but not exceed 45 calendar days after request. Parents can also request changes to these records – if the school does not agree, ask the request to be part of the permanent record.
Senior department officials said using FERPA law enforcement authorities in this way could be “unprecedented”, although they also insist that it is within the scope of established laws.
“State laws do not exceed federal law, and educational entities receiving federal funds are subject to FERPA,” a statement from the Department of Education said. “FERPA violations may result in the termination of federal funds for educational entities.”
The alleged violation of FERPA was part of a lawsuit filed by the Chino Valley Unified School District last July, shortly after Newsom signed California law.
Prior to the creation of state laws, Southern California’s Temicula Valley, Murietta Valley and Orange areas have also adopted parent notification policies in recent years. In California, Anderson United High School District in Anderson County and Rocklin Unified and Qian Creek United Elementary School District in Price County have passed similar rules. Under the Athletic Progress Program, at least eight states have passed similar laws.
Jaweed Kaleem, a time worker, contributed to the report.
