DOJ Sues Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools Over Transgender Student Guidelines

The U.S. Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools (KCKPS), alleging the district's internal guidelines facilitate "secret gender transitions" by allowing students to adopt different pronouns or gender identities at school while withholding that information from parents. The suit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas, claims the district's practices violate the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA). The lawsuit escalates a monthslong federal pressure campaign that included threats to revoke over $70 million in federal funding. KCKPS, which serves more than 20,000 students, maintains it is in full compliance with federal law and called the lawsuit disappointing.

“Parental rights are paramount in the operation of America's public schools, and Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools does not know children better than their own parents. The Department will not tolerate school districts playing fast and loose with federal law in the service of ...” — Statement from the U.S. Department of Justice Quote verified against source