DOJ sues Kansas school district over policy allowing students to hide gender ‘transitions’ from parents
Caroline MolloyThe U.S. Department of Justice filed a federal lawsuit Sept. 1 against Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools, alleging that the district violated federal parental-rights laws through policies governing students who identify as transgender or gender non-conforming.
The Justice Department says the district’s internal guidance allows students to ask that parents be excluded from meetings where school officials develop individualized plans concerning names, pronouns, school records, restrooms, locker rooms, sports and other accommodations.
According to the federal complaint, a student may also request that information concerning a gender transition not be disclosed to his or her parents.
The DOJ argues that the policies violate the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, or FERPA, which provides parents with rights to inspect their minor children’s education records, as well as the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment.
The lawsuit seeks an injunction preventing enforcement of the challenged guidelines. Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools disputes the allegations and has said it believes the district complies with both FERPA and PPRA.
