Federal Probes into State Transgender Privacy Laws

The U.S. Department of Education is investigating both Maine and California for alleged violations of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) related to the handling of transgender students' identities. In Maine, schools are accused of keeping students' gender transition records hidden from parents, potentially violating FERPA, which mandates parental access to educational records. Similarly, California's Assembly Bill 1955 prohibits schools from disclosing a student's gender identity to parents without consent, prompting federal scrutiny over potential FERPA violations. Both states stand by their policies, emphasizing adherence to local laws that protect students' privacy and promote a safe environment for LGBTQ+ youth. The investigations could lead to significant repercussions, including the withdrawal of federal funding for non-compliance. These actions are part of broader federal efforts under the Trump administration to ensure parental rights in educational settings.