DOJ Investigates Michigan Schools and Seeks to Intervene in LA Admissions Case

The Trump Justice Department has initiated investigations into three public school districts in Michigan, focusing on gender-related classroom instruction. Additionally, the department is looking to intervene in a federal lawsuit concerning race-based admissions and funding practices in Los Angeles. This move represents an intensified effort by the administration to engage in school policy discussions nationwide.

The Office of Civil Rights is examining whether the Detroit Public Schools Community District, Godfrey Lee Public Schools, and Lansing school districts include “Sexual Orientation and Gender Ideology (SOGI) content” in their classrooms from kindergarten through 12th grade.

Investigators will determine if parents are informed about their right to opt-out and if school districts restrict access to facilities like restrooms and locker rooms based on biological sex.

Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon emphasized the focus on parental rights and the enforcement of Title IX. “The Department of Justice is dedicated to addressing the increasing trend of local schools integrating sexuality and gender ideology into public education,” Dhillon stated.

She also noted that “the Supreme Court has made it clear: Parents can guide their children’s religious upbringing, including opting out of lessons that clash with their beliefs.” Furthermore, she asserted that Title IX is intended to ensure “the safety, dignity, and innocence” of young children by allowing them access to facilities corresponding to their biological sex.

The Justice Department highlighted that Michigan school districts receive significant taxpayer funding and will assess compliance with Title IX and the Supreme Court’s 2025 ruling in a related case. Officials clarified that no conclusions have been drawn yet in the investigation.

In a separate matter, the DOJ is looking to intervene in a lawsuit by the 1776 Project Foundation, which challenges the Los Angeles Unified School District’s “Hispanic, Black, Asian, Other” (PHBAO) program. This program sorts students by race and neighborhood for funding and admissions at magnet schools. Notably, it categorizes neighborhoods with less than 30% white residents as disadvantaged and allocates additional resources based on this classification.

“Treating Americans equally is not merely a suggestion,” stated Attorney General Pam Bondi, emphasizing that enforcing equal protection is a constitutional obligation. Dillon echoed that students “should never be distinguished based on race,” asserting that “racism is illegal and un-American.”

As the ongoing investigation in Michigan and the pending lawsuit against LAUSD unfold, representatives from the Michigan districts have not yet commented, while LAUSD maintained its commitment to ensuring all students access enriching educational opportunities.