California Faces Federal Investigation Over Student Privacy Law and Gender Identity Policies

California Faces Federal Investigation Over Student Privacy Law and Gender Identity Policies

The U.S. Department of Education has initiated an investigation into the California Department of Education for alleged violations of the Family Educational Rights Privacy Act, commonly known as FERPA. The probe arises after the implementation of a controversial law prohibiting schools from disclosing a child’s gender identity to parents.

FERPA ensures that parents have the right to access their children’s educational records, which the Trump administration argues should include all interactions involving gender identity and mental health with school personnel.

Education Secretary Linda McMahon stated that teachers and school counselors should refrain from guiding minors on significant decisions regarding their sexual identity and mental health. She firmly believes that such responsibilities must rest with parents or trusted family members.

McMahon emphasized that it is both unethical and potentially illegal for California’s educational institutions to withhold essential information about a student’s well-being from their parents and guardians.

California’s Legislative Stance on Gender Identity

In response to the investigation, Elana Ross, a spokesperson for California Governor Gavin Newsom, asserted that parents retain their rights to access their student’s educational records as mandated by federal law.

Ross remarked that if the U.S. Department of Education still had a full staff, it would have quickly concluded the investigation simply by reviewing the law signed by Governor Newsom.

Last year, Newsom signed Assembly Bill 1955 into law. This legislation prevents school districts and educational institutions from requiring staff to disclose any information regarding a student’s sexual orientation or gender identity unless the student provides consent, unless legally obligated to do so.

The California administration contends that this law strengthens protections against what they describe as