US Schools Face Funding Cuts Over Transgender Policies

The US Education Department on Monday warned two school districts in Maryland and Michigan that they could face legal action and the loss of federal funding over their transgender policies.

The Trump administration accuses Anne Arundel County Public Schools in Maryland of violating the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act by treating information about a student’s gender identity as confidential medical information that cannot be shared with parents. It said Ann Arbor Public Schools in Michigan was likely violating the same law by requiring employees to conceal a child’s transgender status from the child’s parents.

Anne Arundel County Public Schools said it had learned of the allegations only through the department’s statement and had received no formal correspondence or supporting documents. It said it would review the information once received and respond through the appropriate process. The department has given Ann Arbor Public Schools until 10 August to explain why similar enforcement action should not be taken against it.

The move is part of broader action by President Donald Trump, who has directed the federal government to recognize only two sexes, male and female. He has also sought to freeze funding for educational institutions over climate initiatives, pro-Palestinian protests and diversity programs. Civil rights groups say such measures violate academic freedom, free speech and due process.

(Reuters, Max)