The U.S. Department of Education found that four Kansas school districts violated federal laws on student privacy and gender-based protections, according to an official press release.The Office of Student Privacy Policy and the Office of Civil Rights concluded that the City of Kansas City, Kansas Public School District, Olathe Public Schools, Shawnee Mission School District and Topeka Public Schools failed to comply with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act and Title IX, the department said.
Findings related to student records and parental access
According to the press release, the Office of Student Privacy Policy found that district policies likely prevent parents from accessing information related to their children’s “transgender identity.”The department said the districts did not provide sufficient documentation to justify restricting parents’ access to these records. It stated that the policies allowed schools to withhold information from students who use different names or pronouns, including cases where different names may appear on official documents such as diplomas.Such practices may violate parents’ rights under FERPA to access their children’s educational records, the news release noted.
Title IX violations related to facilities and sports
The Office for Civil Rights found that many districts violated Title IX through policies related to access to school facilities.According to the press release:
- The City of Kansas City, Kansas Public School District and Topeka Public Schools allowed male students to use restrooms and locker rooms and participate in individual athletics based on gender identity.
- Olathe Public Schools and the Shawnee Mission School District had similar policies regarding restrooms and changing facilities.
The department also said Kansas City, Kan., public schools did not provide requested information during the investigation, which it called a separate violation of federal law.Three districts admitted to allowing male students to use female facilities based on gender identity, the press release stated.
Proposed corrective measures
The administration issued proposed resolution agreements for all four counties.According to the press release, these include:
- Restricting participation in athletics based on sex, not gender identity
- Ensuring access to bathrooms, locker rooms and similar facilities depends on gender
- Make student-related records, including “gender support plans,” accessible to parents and guardians
The department stated that failure to reach an agreement could result in enforcement action, including the potential termination of federal funding.
Statement from the department
In a statement included in the news release, Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Kimberly Ritchie said the policies “violate federal law” and raised concerns about student safety and parental rights.
Background of the investigation
Investigations began in August 2025, following complaints filed by the Institute for Defending Freedom, according to the press release.The department also pointed to a letter from Kris Kobach to Education Secretary Linda McMahon raising concerns about potential violations.The press release added that previous guidance issued in March 2025 identified the failure to disclose information regarding a student’s gender to parents as a compliance concern under FERPA.
Legal framework
FERPA gives parents the right to access and request correction of their children’s educational records and limits disclosure of this information.Title IX prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in educational programs that receive federal funding.Violations of either law could result in the loss of federal funding after administrative or judicial action is taken, the department said.