Debate Erupts Over Gender Policies at Federally Funded 4-H Camps

EXCLUSIVE: Several federally funded youth programs continue to implement policies that allow campers and adult counselors to share overnight accommodations based on self-identified gender. This practice raises significant concerns, particularly since the foundation for these policies was rescinded by the Trump administration, as highlighted by the Center for Practical Federalism.

The Center for Practical Federalism, based in the Washington area, has called upon the U.S. Department of Agriculture to evaluate the gender ideology standards within 4-H programs. These programs, which provide a variety of activities for youth, are administered through over 100 public universities across the nation.

The Role of 4-H Programs in Youth Development

4-H programs offer numerous opportunities for personal growth and engagement in fields such as health, science, agriculture, and civic responsibility. However, the implementation of gender identity policies has sparked criticism regarding the safety and privacy of young participants.

A Historical Context

The controversy traces back to 2017 when the National 4-H Council, along with the USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture, released guidance for the inclusion of individuals across all gender identities. This guidance was posted on a USDA-managed website but has since been officially rescinded. In January, during the Trump administration, an executive order mandated that intimate spaces for women and girls be classified by biological sex rather than gender identity.

Yet, many regions persist in allowing 4-H attendees and adult chaperones to bunk overnight according to their gender identity. The Center for Practical Federalism has pointed out that this practice deviates from the new legal standards established by the federal government.

Concerns Raised by Advocacy Groups

Tony Woodlief, the senior executive vice president of the Center for Practical Federalism, expressed urgency in aligning the practices of federal grantees, including land-grant universities operating 4-H programs, with current laws. He noted that adherence to these guidelines is crucial for safeguarding children and upholding parental rights.

Allegations of Policy Violations

The advocacy organization raised alarms regarding specific incidents, such as a 2022 occurrence at Rock Springs Ranch 4-H Camp in Kansas. It was reported that a child, assigned male at birth but identifying as female, was placed in a cabin with preteen girls without prior parental consent. This situation underscores the potential risks associated with gender identity-based housing policies.

Research on Policy Consistency

According to the Center for Practical Federalism, the Kansas 4-H Foundation has not updated its stated gender policy since the incident. The policy currently prohibits discrimination based on gender identity, which can lead to situations where biological realities are overlooked in favor of identity-based classifications.

Woodlief emphasized that the ongoing presence of gender identity policies within 4-H programs illustrates how outdated guidance can continue to impact policy operations, potentially conflicting with federal directives designed to protect minors.

Responses from 4-H Programs Nationwide

The Kansas 4-H Foundation has not yet provided a statement regarding the concerns raised by advocacy groups. Additionally, similar policies appear to be in effect in other states, such as California and Oregon, where official training materials or documents align with gender identity considerations for housing placements.

Calls for a Thorough Review

As a result of these findings, the Center for Practical Federalism has urged the USDA to conduct a comprehensive review of all federally funded 4-H programs. This review aims to uncover any continued enforcement of rescinded gender ideology policies at land-grant institutions and 4-H facilities.

Woodlief suggests using this review to implement formal standards that will prevent subregulatory guidance from evading lawful rulemaking processes. The Center emphasizes the need for accountability to align with current federal law and to prioritize the welfare of children involved in these programs.

Next Steps for the USDA

The USDA has not yet responded to inquiries about this situation. As the discourse surrounding gender policies in youth programs intensifies, stakeholders continue to call for balanced approaches that prioritize both inclusivity and the safety of minors.

A National Conversation on Policy and Inclusion

The ongoing debate highlights broader societal discussions about gender, identity, and the safeguarding of young individuals in educational environments. It accentuates the importance of reviewing and updating policies to ensure they reflect contemporary understandings of gender while protecting the rights and safety of all participants involved in youth programs.