The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) has opened an investigation into the New Richmond School District in Wisconsin following reports that the district is allowing biological males to use female restrooms. The inquiry will assess whether this practice violates Title IX, which prohibits sex-based discrimination in educational programs receiving federal funds.
At a school board meeting in January 2026, several parents raised concerns about male students being permitted to use girls' restrooms. According to reports, administrators did not directly address parents’ questions regarding their daughters’ safety. During a subsequent board meeting, a student shared her experiences of fear and anxiety due to boys using the girls’ restrooms, stating she now avoids using school restrooms altogether.
In February 2026, a proposal was introduced by a school board member to restrict bathroom and locker room access based on biological sex. The measure failed with only two out of seven board members supporting it.
Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Kimberly Richey commented on the situation: “The Trump Administration will always stand up for students and enforce Title IX to ensure that women and girls are safe when they are at school,” said Richey. “Young women should never be forced to share intimate spaces with boys and men because school leaders care more about radical gender ideology than protecting girls’ safety, dignity, and privacy. School board members who ignore these allegations are failing the families they serve. This Administration will investigate this complaint fully and address any violations it discovers promptly.”
Title IX requires schools receiving federal financial assistance to avoid discrimination based on sex.
