Federal Probe Targets WA Schools' Transgender Policies

The U.S. Departments of Education and Justice have launched a first-of-its-kind investigation into Washington state's Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) over allegations that its gender inclusion policies violate federal laws such as Title IX, FERPA, and PPRA. Federal officials claim OSPI requires districts to permit transgender students, including biological males, to compete in female sports and use female-only facilities, raising concerns about female equality and parental rights. The investigation also alleges OSPI directs districts to withhold students' gender identity information from parents, potentially infringing on federal privacy laws. State Superintendent Chris Reykdal defends the state's policies as legal and protective of transgender students' rights and safety. Reykdal asserts the probe is politically motivated and part of a wider federal campaign against transgender rights. The dispute is expected to proceed to federal court, highlighting tensions between state and federal approaches to gender inclusion.