The U.S. Department of Education announced on Apr. 17 that four Kansas school districts—Kansas City, Kansas Public School District; Olathe Public Schools; Shawnee Mission School District; and Topeka Public Schools—were found to have violated the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.
The findings matter because they address how schools handle sensitive information about students' gender identity and parental rights to access educational records, as well as policies regarding student participation in sex-segregated spaces and activities.
According to the Department’s Student Privacy Policy Office, the districts had policies likely preventing parents from being notified about their child’s gender transition, even when parents requested access to records. The Department said these policies allowed schools to conceal whether students were using different pronouns or names, including having different names printed on diplomas. The Office for Civil Rights determined that some districts permitted male students to use female restrooms, locker rooms, changing rooms, and participate in single-sex athletics based on gender identity.
Olathe Public Schools, Shawnee Mission School District, and Topeka Public Schools admitted that male students have been allowed access to female facilities based on gender identity. Shawnee Mission School District also has sports participation policies raising compliance concerns under Title IX.
“These Kansas school districts have allowed ‘gender ideology’ to run amok in their schools. These policies not only violate federal law, but are contrary to the sound judgment we expect from our educational leaders, and thoroughly disrespectful to parents who entrust school personnel to keep their children safe,” said Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Kimberly Richey. “Schools should never subject girls to unsafe, uncomfortable, and unfair environments, nor should they abuse their authority by hiding the most sensitive information about a child’s health and wellbeing from that child’s parents. The Trump Administration will always protect students and parents by enforcing Title IX and parental rights laws to the fullest extent of the law.”
The Department issued proposed Resolution Agreements requiring changes such as basing athletic participation on sex rather than gender identity; ensuring facility use is determined by sex; and making all documents related to a student’s gender transition accessible to parents or guardians. If agreements are not reached with any district involved, enforcement actions may follow—including possible termination of federal funding through administrative or judicial proceedings.
Investigations began in August 2025 after complaints filed with the Defense of Freedom Institute alleged violations of FERPA and Title IX by these districts. Additionally, Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach wrote U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon expressing concern over potential violations.
In March 2025 a Dear Colleague Letter was sent reminding state superintendents about FERPA obligations concerning parental access—emphasizing that hiding a child's "gender identity" from parents is a priority concern for enforcement.
