In a dramatic move signaling strong support for parental rights, the U.S. Department of Education launched a federal investigation into California’s Department of Education (CDE), accusing it of violating federal law by concealing students’ gender identities from their parents. The investigation targets a controversial California state law that bans teachers from notifying parents about children’s gender transitions at school.
For context, Assembly Bill 1955 is California’s radical new policy stripping parents of their fundamental rights established under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, better known as FERPA. The rights in FERPA explicitly give parents access to their children’s education records and the transparency that parents require, while the assembly bill that California’s Democratic leaders conjured aims to contradict federal freedoms.
The investigation, initiated by the Student Privacy Policy Office (SPPO), follows credible signals that multiple local education agencies across California have hidden student gender identity information from parents. SPPO believes these agencies acted under direct influence from California’s assembly bill, sparking concerns that school personnel across the state may be routinely violating parents’ federally protected rights.
The new policy is in full swing with the backing of the California Justice Center, which issued a damning analysis of the legislation. Their statement strikes fear in countless Californians who care to know about the well-being of their children. The statement reads, “Every public school in California has a policy of denying, or effectively preventing, the parents of students… the right to inspect and review the education records of their children.”
Education Secretary Linda McMahon voiced her deep concerns about California’s controversial legislation, sharply criticizing school personnel for overstepping boundaries traditionally reserved for parents. In a statement, she said, “Teachers and school counselors should not be in the business of advising minors entrusted to their care on consequential decisions about their sexual identity and mental health. That responsibility and privilege lies with a parent or trusted loved one.”
Continuing, Secretary McMahon then sharply rebuked the ideology behind these policies, emphasizing the harmful effects of concealing vital information from parents. In the same statement, she warned, “The agency launched today’s investigation to vigorously protect parents’ rights and ensure that students do not fall victim to a radical transgender ideology that often leads to family alienation and irreversible medical interventions.”
Commenters online pointed out that Sec. McMahon had cautioned that the state’s policy might be unethical and violate federal law, potentially jeopardizing California schools’ critical federal funding. One such commenter said, “JUST IN: Sec of Education Linda McMahon sent a letter to Gov. Gavin Newsom DEMANDING that he inform California schools to comply with federal law and keep males out of female private spaces and sports. Failure to do so will result in the loss of funding.”
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Further, the internet sounded off in support of Secretary McMahon; many social media accounts reacted to the above post, prompting fiery discussion. In one response, a user added, “McMahon’s standing firm. She’s sending a clear message: follow the law or face the consequences. Simple as that. Time for Newsom to learn what real accountability looks like.” Watch a clip of Secretary McMahon and Parents Defending Education president Nicole Neely announcing the investigation:
Featured image credit: screengrab from the embedded video