The U.S. Department of Education announced on Tuesday that it is investigating claims about a high school teacher in the Denver school district. The allegations involve the teacher requiring students of the same sex to kiss in front of a class. Additionally, a school district in Washington is under investigation for displaying testosterone samples during Pride Month.
The department stated it will examine whether the Bethel School District, located approximately an hour south of Seattle, and Denver Public Schools violated a federal law. This law grants parents the right to opt their children out of school assessments on topics like sexual behavior or attitudes.
“Parents should make decisions on matters that impact their children’s most intimate aspects,” said Frank Miller, head of the Department of Education’s Student Privacy Policy Office, in a statement.
Scott Pribble, spokesperson for Denver schools, mentioned that the district is preparing a response but hasn’t commented yet. The Bethel School District noted that testosterone vials showcased at Graham-Kapowsin High School in June weren’t authorized by school administrators. The vials were removed and handed over to the Pierce County police.
Testosterone is prescribed for gender-affirming care. The district also mentioned full cooperation with the Department of Education’s investigation. Both districts are in states led by Democratic governors. Former President Donald Trump, a Republican, initiated numerous investigations into schools accommodating transgender and LGBTQ+ students, targeting districts permitting students to use facilities aligning with their gender identities.
Last year, Denver schools were accused of breaching Title IX protections against sex discrimination due to such restroom policies. Trump’s officials have also pressed schools accused of keeping student gender identity information confidential from parents, arguing it breaches federal privacy laws.
The Department connected the investigations to National Parents’ Day, celebrated on Sunday, and plans to announce significant actions regarding parental rights law enforcement this week.
The Bethel district display contained a few “small amounts of unknown liquid,” according to their statement. It remains unclear if the liquid was analyzed to confirm it was testosterone.
District spokesperson Doug Boyles referred inquiries to the Pierce County police. An email sent to police office spokeswoman Carly Cappetto remains unanswered.
Bethel district’s statement also noted an ongoing review of protocols to ensure all school materials strictly adhere to educational standards and community expectations.
Associated Press journalist Collin Binkley in Washington D.C. contributed to this report.
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