Story perspectives

California Violates Federal Law on Student Gender Privacy

1/29/2026

Summary

Story summary

The U.S. Department of Education found California violated the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) by pressuring schools to conceal students' gender identities from parents.
Investigators documented that California's policies pressured schools to withhold information, placing at least 300 students on secret Gender Support Plans without parental consent.
Education Secretary Linda McMahon criticized California's leadership, urged compliance with federal law, and called for parental access to these records.

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Story summary

The U.S. Department of Education found California violated the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) by pressuring schools to conceal students' gender identities from parents.
Investigators documented that California's policies pressured schools to withhold information, placing at least 300 students on secret Gender Support Plans without parental consent.
Education Secretary Linda McMahon criticized California's leadership, urged compliance with federal law, and called for parental access to these records.