The U.S. Education Department has terminated agreements with five school districts and a college that were originally designed to protect transgender students. This decision eliminates federal obligations for schools to respect a student’s preferred name and pronouns. It also rolls back requirements allowing students to use bathrooms that align with their gender identity. The move marks a clear departure from the civil rights interpretations upheld by previous administrations. Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Kimberly Richey defended the move, stating it removes “unlawful burdens” and counters what she termed a “radical transgender agenda.” While some affected districts, like Delaware Valley in Pennsylvania, have already voted to roll back their protections, others, such as Sacramento City Unified, remain committed to supporting their LGBTQ+ students.
Date: April 7, 2026. Source: apnews.com