Ed Dept, DOJ Investigate Washington OSPI Over Trans Student Policies

The Trump administration has launched a federal investigation into Washington state's Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), citing concerns over policies that allow transgender students to participate in girls' sports and use female-only facilities. The Department of Education and Department of Justice allege that OSPI coerces districts into hiding students' gender identity from parents and adopting policies that purportedly violate parental rights and female equality in athletics, potentially breaching Title IX and other federal laws. The investigation, described as the first of its kind, could result in the loss of federal education funding for Washington schools if violations are confirmed. State Superintendent Chris Reykdal and OSPI officials argue that their policies are meant to protect transgender students and comply with state anti-discrimination laws, emphasizing student safety and privacy. Reykdal characterizes the federal probe as part of a broader attack on transgender rights by the Trump administration. The investigation is part of a larger federal shift in civil rights enforcement priorities under Education Secretary Linda McMahon, focusing on transgender student participation in sports and parental notification issues.