The U.S. Department of Education has warned two public school districts that they could lose federal funding over policies related to transgender students, marking the latest action by the Trump administration on the issue.
The department alleges that school policies in Maryland and Michigan violate the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), a federal law governing the privacy of student education records. Both districts have been notified of potential enforcement actions, although one says it has not yet received formal documentation.
Districts
The Education Department identified Anne Arundel County Public Schools (AACPS) in Maryland and Ann Arbor Public Schools in Michigan as the subjects of its latest enforcement effort.
According to the department, both districts have policies related to transgender students that may conflict with federal law.
The administration said these policies could place federal funding at risk if violations are confirmed.
Allegations
The Education Department alleges that Anne Arundel County Public Schools violated FERPA by treating information about a student’s gender identity as confidential medical information that cannot be disclosed to parents.
The department also said Ann Arbor Public Schools likely violated the same law through a policy it claims requires school employees to withhold a student’s transgender status from parents.
The department has not publicly released additional details supporting its findings.
Responses
Anne Arundel County Public Schools said it first learned about the allegations through the Education Department’s public statement.
In a statement cited by an NBC affiliate, the district said it had not received formal correspondence or documentation outlining the findings.
“Once such information is received, AACPS and its legal counsel will carefully review it and respond through the appropriate process,” the district said.
Ann Arbor Public Schools did not immediately comment.
Enforcement
The Education Department said it intends to move forward with enforcement action against Anne Arundel County Public Schools.
It also gave Ann Arbor Public Schools until Aug. 10 to explain why similar action should not be taken.
The department noted that violations of FERPA can result in the loss of federal funding.
| District | State | Education Department Allegation | Current Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anne Arundel County Public Schools | Maryland | Gender identity treated as confidential from parents | Enforcement action announced |
| Ann Arbor Public Schools | Michigan | Policy allegedly conceals transgender status from parents | Response due by Aug. 10 |
Context
Since returning to office, President Donald Trump has issued multiple executive orders and taken several administrative actions related to transgender policies.
The administration has also sought to withhold federal funding from educational institutions over issues including transgender policies, diversity initiatives, climate-related programs, and pro-Palestinian protests connected to the war in Gaza.
These actions have prompted legal and political debate nationwide.
Law
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, commonly known as FERPA, is the primary federal law governing the privacy of student education records.
The law limits the disclosure of student information without appropriate authorization and establishes rules regarding access to educational records.
Whether the policies at issue violate FERPA may ultimately depend on further administrative review or legal proceedings.
Outlook
The Education Department’s actions represent another step in the Trump administration’s efforts to reshape federal education policy regarding transgender students. As the review process continues, both school districts may face additional scrutiny, and any final determination could have implications for federal funding and future school policies.
FAQs
Which school districts were targeted?
Districts in Maryland and Michigan were identified.
What law is involved?
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
What could happen if violations are found?
The districts could lose federal funding.
When must Ann Arbor respond?
The district has until Aug. 10 to respond.
Did both districts respond publicly?
AACPS responded; Ann Arbor had no immediate comment.
