US News
DOJ sues Kansas City, Kansas school district over student gender transition guidance
Federal officials allege policies withholding student gender plans from parents violate federal privacy and parental rights laws.
The short version
- The Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools over internal guidance regarding transgender and gender-nonconforming students.
- Federal prosecutors argue the district's policies violate the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA) by allowing student plans without parental notification.
- The school district rejected the allegations, maintaining that its policies comply with federal law.
- The DOJ indicated this lawsuit is part of a broader review of similar school district policies nationwide.
Key facts
- The DOJ filed a federal lawsuit against Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools (KCKPS) alleging violations of FERPA and the PPRA.[Fox News]
- The lawsuit challenges internal guidance in use since 2017 that allows students to request their parents be excluded from accommodation plans regarding names, pronouns, records, and facilities.[Fox News]
- KCKPS issued a statement denying the claims, asserting full compliance with federal law, and stating it would contest the matter in court.[Fox News]
- The Department of Education initiated an investigation into KCKPS in August 2025 and notified the district of alleged violations on August 12 before the case was referred for litigation.[Fox News]
- Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon stated that the DOJ is investigating other school districts for comparable policies and is considering additional lawsuits.[Fox News]