Maine’s public school system is under federal investigation for allegedly hiding students’ gender transition information from their parents. The Trump administration’s Department of Education has launched a probe that could potentially impact school districts nationwide.
At a glance:
• Trump administration is investigating Maine schools for allegedly concealing gender transition records from parents
• Education Secretary Linda McMahon accuses Maine of violating federal law that guarantees parents access to educational records
• Investigation focuses on potential violations of Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
• Reports suggest some Maine districts create “gender plans” for students that are deliberately hidden from parents
• This investigation follows earlier conflict between Maine and federal authorities over transgender athletes in women’s sports
Trump Administration Launches Parental Rights Investigation
The U.S. Department of Education under President Trump has launched a formal investigation into Maine’s public school system over allegations that schools are deliberately hiding students’ gender transition information from parents. Education Secretary Linda McMahon announced the probe following reports that dozens of Maine school districts maintain secret “gender plans” for transgender students that are intentionally kept from parents.
The investigation centers on potential violations of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), which ensures parents have access to their children’s educational records. This action represents a significant escalation in the Trump administration’s efforts to enforce parental rights and transparency in schools regarding gender identity issues.
Schools Accused of Creating Secret “Gender Plans”
According to federal officials, dozens of Maine school districts have policies allowing schools to create and maintain “gender plans” for students experiencing gender confusion, while deliberately withholding these records from parents. Secretary McMahon has made it clear that such practices directly violate federal law, which guarantees parents access to all educational records regarding their children.
“We have heard disturbing reports that dozens of Maine school districts allow for schools to create gender plans that support a student’s transgender identity and then hide those plans from parents, claiming they don’t fall under education records,” said Education Secretary Linda McMahon in her announcement of the investigation. McMahon further emphasized, “Parents and guardians have the right to access their child’s education records to guide and safeguard their child’s mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Any policy to the contrary is both illegal and immoral.”
The Maine School Superintendents Association has pushed back against the investigation, suggesting it is politically motivated rather than based on actual violations. Steven Bailey, representing the association, stated, “Well, I do see this as being, No. 1, a headline, and No. 2, an effort to continue the spotlight on Maine. And also these will need to be decided in the courts.”
Broader Pattern of Federal Enforcement
This investigation is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to enforce parental rights and traditional values in education. The Department of Education recently issued guidance to state school officers and superintendents nationwide on FERPA compliance, specifically emphasizing that parents must have access to all educational records, including those related to gender identity.
The current investigation follows a previous finding that Maine violated Title IX by allowing biological males who identify as female to compete in women’s sports. That earlier confrontation led to Maine’s Democratic Governor Janet Mills publicly defying federal authorities with a defiant “We’ll see you in court” statement, setting up a showdown between state and federal authorities.
Parents’ rights advocates have praised the investigation as a necessary step to protect families. Nicole Neily, a parents’ rights advocate, expressed support for the investigation, stating, “We’re proud to stand with you and President Trump as you ensure that the law is being followed and that schools do not infringe on parents’ rights.”
Neither the Maine Department of Education nor the state Attorney General’s Office has commented on the investigation. The Department of Justice may ultimately enforce complaints against Maine in federal court if violations are confirmed and the state refuses to comply with federal law.
