US HHS Threatens $81M Sex Ed Funding Over 'Gender Ideology' in 40 States, Territories

The Trump administration has issued an ultimatum to 40 states and six territories, demanding the removal of all references to “gender ideology” from federally funded sexual education programs, specifically the Personal Responsibility Education Program (PREP), or face the loss of over $81 million in funding. This directive targets curricula that include information about transgender people and LGBTQ+ issues, with states given 60 days to comply or risk defunding, following California's loss of its $12 million grant for noncompliance. The administration frames this move as protecting children from what it calls “dangerous ideological agendas,” despite opposition from major medical organizations that recognize gender as a spectrum. The affected programs serve vulnerable youth populations, including those homeless, in foster care, living in rural areas, or belonging to minority groups. Several states, including Vermont, have expressed concern about the potential public health impact of losing PREP funding, and legal challenges to the administration’s demand are anticipated. Officials from the Department of Health and Human Services, led by Acting Assistant Secretary Andrew Gradison, emphasize a strict enforcement approach, reflecting the administration’s broader effort to restrict recognition of gender diversity in education.