The U.S. Department of Education announced on Monday it will investigate a school district in Massachusetts after reports emerged that students were subjected to sexually explicit questions, even when their parents had opted them out.
This investigation relates to the “Youth Risk Behavior Survey,” which was distributed by the Burlington Public Schools in late March. The survey included questions about sexual experiences, alcohol consumption, and gender identity.
Many parents, according to complaints from the Massachusetts Liberty Legal Center, opted their children out of participating, as the survey was voluntary. However, it seems the survey was still given to students at Marshall Simmons Middle School and Burlington High School, some of whom were told they had to complete it, regardless of their parents’ decision.
One question from the 2025 survey explicitly asked students about their sexual history and described behaviors, even defining oral and anal sex. It also inquired about the use of adult toys.
U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon stressed that parents should be the primary decision-makers regarding their children’s education. She labeled the situation as a violation of parental rights, especially given the graphic nature of the questions. McMahon emphasized the department’s commitment to thoroughly investigating and defending these rights.
The department mentioned that the school’s actions could breach amendments protecting student rights, which allow parents to refuse their children’s participation in surveys that request sensitive personal information.
Burlington’s Principal Eric Conti acknowledged the mistake during a School Committee Meeting on April 1, emphasizing that the opt-out policy had not been honored.
Subsequently, on April 8, the committee unanimously agreed to suspend all student surveys until a new policy is put in place.
The district’s website reassured the community of its commitment to transparency, accountability, and student well-being while emphasizing the importance of collaboration with families.
Parents have expressed their outrage over the situation. One mother, Adrianne Simeone, who has a 13-year-old son, remarked that while she has discussed sex with her children, she has not addressed certain topics like anal sex, oral sex, or sex toys.
This week, Burlington Public Schools confirmed that five students had received the survey despite their opt-out status. The district reiterated it has started to take corrective steps, including hiring external investigators and acknowledging challenges in the opt-out process.
