The federal government has launched an investigation into Washington school districts, alleging that they require staff to conceal children’s “gender identity” from parents and to create confusion among students.
The Title IX inquiry was initiated by the Department of Education following allegations against the Washington Office of Public Service. It is claimed that this office has enforced policies allowing males to participate in female sports and access women-only facilities.
Another contentious policy supposedly mandates that districts must inform parents about any changes in their child’s “gender identity.” These assertions seem to stem from unusual investigations conducted by the Office of the Superintendent.
According to a district letter, a probe was inspired by complaints that “non-scientist” students and staff were being discriminated against for not being asked about their preferred pronouns. The letter stated, “The district discriminates between students and staff based on gender identity by expressly prohibiting district staff from querying students about gender pronouns.”
Initially, the district found that no rights were violated and no discrimination occurred. However, one high school teacher raised concerns. This teacher, who often asks students about their pronouns, wanted the flexibility to address all students as “they/them” until knowing their preferred terms. Staff were warned that this practice could give credence to the belief that an agenda was being pushed on students.
Notably, this teacher also served as an advisor for the “Gay Straight Alliance,” complicating matters further. Another complaint from the same individual suggested that the policy against asking for pronouns “creates a systematic barrier to full inclusion for LGBTQ students” and restricts teachers from engaging with students in their protected groups.
Despite the teacher being allowed to use students’ preferred pronouns upon request, the complainant continued filing appeals with the district. The letter concluded with a strong statement: “If so, these are clear violations of parental rights and women’s equality in athletics protected by federal law.”
Ultimately, the district reversed its earlier stance of prohibiting pronoun inquiries, opting instead to allow staff to privately invite students to share their pronouns in a discretionary manner.
In addition to mandatory training on issues surrounding “gender expression and identity-based bias,” the district declared that it does not disclose information about students’ gender identities without their consent or legal necessity.
U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon remarked that it seems the state is using its authority to “force the district to hide ‘gender identity’ information from students’ parents.” She further claimed the district appears to have adopted a strategy of “quietly incorporating gender ideology into the classroom, causing confusion and placing boys in girls’ sports, bathrooms, and locker rooms.”
“If true, these actions violate parental rights and the principles of equality for women in athletics, which are safeguarded by federal laws enacted during the Trump administration,” McMahon noted.
