Reports indicate that over 20 middle and high schools in Seattle have conducted surveys with students about their identities and sexual orientations without parental notification, sharing this data with external organizations.
The surveys, aimed at students across all Seattle public middle and high schools, include questions for 11-year-olds about aspects of their personal lives. It seems they might be prompted to reflect on matters such as “Who do you think you might have a crush on?” with potential answers ranging from “all genders” to “men and women.”
Another question states, “About me: I identify as” with choices like “I question my gender identity” and “Non-binary.”
Some sixth graders were even asked about their future aspirations, including options like “being in a romantic relationship.” Yet, it appears the students showed a lack of enthusiasm toward these questions.
One student was heard saying, “No, I’m 12 too,” while another inquired, “Why do you want to know my sexual orientation?” and a third expressed a wish to avoid such surveys in the future.
Since it began nearly a decade ago, the survey has engaged around 67,000 students and also covers topics like domestic issues, substance use, risks of suicidal thoughts, and instances of physical harm.
The shared data has reached numerous third parties, including the Seattle Children’s Hospital Research Institute and King County.
The investigation by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Student Personal Policy into Seattle-area school practices is currently ongoing.
Many parents were unaware that some questions related to sexual matters or that the information would be disclosed beyond school boundaries. Nearly 20 parents have formally requested that schools seek written consent before any surveys are conducted.
Stephanie Hager, a Seattle mother, stated, “If a parent wants to enroll their child in a program that releases their health information or personally identifiable information, that’s their choice, but all parents should have the right to make that decision with informed consent.”
She further noted the significant value of the records being gathered, considering how difficult such information usually is to obtain from young people.
A report released by the King County Ombudsman’s Office in 2024 found “no evidence of improper disclosure of private student information” but did acknowledge that sensitive student information was released by one school district a few years back.
Reportedly, Seattle Public Schools utilized a federal grant of $1.5 million from the Federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration for the study in 2025.
A spokesperson from SAMHSA mentioned that usage of the funds must adhere to federal law, and the agency is currently reviewing the situation internally. However, King County has denied any responsibility for the data exposure.
Requests for comments from the Department of Education, the Washington Department of Public Instruction, and Seattle Public Schools have gone unanswered.
