USDE deems gender identity practices at Kansas school districts, including USD 501, violate federal law

WASHINGTON D.C. (WIBW) – Federal officials are ordering four Kansas school districts to reverse course on policies related to students’ gender identities.

The United States Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights examined policies in Topeka Public Schools, Kansas City, Kansas Public School District, Shawnee Mission School District, and Olathe Public Schools on request from Attorney General Kris Kobach. The agency also reported a complaint made by conservative education organization DFI.

The conclusion from OCR is that the districts had multiple policies or practices in place that it deems to have violated Title IX protections and FERPA:

• Policies that allow male students to use female restrooms, locker rooms, and changing rooms, as well as participate in single-sex athletics, based on “gender identity.”
• Policies that allow schools to conceal from parents whether their children are using different pronouns, going by different names, or even having different names printed on their diplomas.
• Male students have been allowed to use female restrooms and locker rooms based on “gender identity.”

“These Kansas school districts have allowed ‘gender ideology’ to run amok in their schools. These policies not only violate federal law, but are contrary to the sound judgment we expect from our educational leaders, and thoroughly disrespectful to parents who entrust school personnel to keep their children safe,” Kimberly Richey, Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, said. “Schools should never subject girls to unsafe, uncomfortable, and unfair environments, nor should they abuse their authority by hiding the most sensitive information about a child’s health and wellbeing from that child’s parents. The Trump Administration will always protect students and parents by enforcing Title IX and parental rights laws to the fullest extent of the law.”

USD 501 says its practices are in order with federal law, and that recently passed state law addresses the concerns presented by OCR.

“Our district received correspondence from the Office of Civil Rights this evening, and we are currently in the process of reviewing it. We have continued to collaborate with the agency and remain committed to working in partnership with OCR to address and resolve any questions or requests for clarification. The Kansas Legislature has since enacted legislation addressing the matters outlined in their communication.

Topeka Public Schools’ practices are aligned with Title IX and Kansas law, and we are dedicated to supporting all students and families. The safety, security, and dignity of every Topeka Public Schools student is our top priority, and we remain committed to supporting students and families in Topeka Public Schools. We will continue to work with  OCR to resolve any issues.”

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