The Department of Justice (DOJ) has initiated investigations into various school districts, contemplating more lawsuits over alleged breaches of federal parental rights laws. Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon expressed this to Fox News Digital, emphasizing that the newly filed case against Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools is a pioneering move. The DOJ accuses the district of violating the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA) by facilitating ‘secret gender transitions’ without parental awareness or approval.
Dhillon clarified their approach involves requesting documents, conducting investigations, and attempting resolutions. When necessary, they proceed with lawsuits. Other legal actions and investigations are underway, though Dhillon did not specify which districts are under scrutiny.
The Kansas City Case
The lawsuit, filed against Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools (KCKPS), centers on internal guidance for transgender and gender non-conforming students. The DOJ claims that since 2017, the district has allowed students to exclude parents from planning meetings, ensuring that their gender identity remains undisclosed to them. These written plans cover aspects such as names, pronouns, records, and accommodations like restroom use.
KCKPS has contested these allegations, stating in a news release they comply fully with FERPA and PPRA. They expressed disappointment with the DOJ’s legal action and chose not to comment further during the litigation.
FERPA and PPRA Violations
The DOJ argues these written plans qualify as education records under FERPA, and excluding parents impedes their rights to review and dispute these records. It also claims the district violates the PPRA by involving students in sensitive meetings and evaluations without prior written parental consent.
The Department of Education initiated a FERPA investigation into KCKPS in 2025. It advised the district in August that its guidance violated the acts, concluding that KCKPS would not comply voluntarily.
The DOJ seeks a federal court ruling to declare these practices unlawful and to block enforcement of policies contravening FERPA or PPRA. Dhillon highlighted the DOJ’s readiness to address potential violations nationally, reinforcing the protection of parental rights in educational settings.
Leave a Reply