Trump officials probe 2 school districts over alleged display, kissing exercise
Trump Officials Probe 2 School Districts Over Alleged Policy Violations
Tyunews.com – The U.S. Department of Education announced Tuesday that Trump officials probe 2 school districts regarding separate allegations involving student privacy and classroom activities. According to the federal agency, one case centers on a Denver high school teacher who allegedly required same-sex students to kiss in front of their classmates. The second investigation involves the Bethel School District in Washington state, where vials of testosterone were reportedly displayed during a Pride month exhibition at Graham-Kapowsin High School.
Both districts face scrutiny under a federal statute that grants parents the authority to withdraw their children from school evaluations concerning sex-related topics, behaviors, and attitudes. The Education Department confirmed it would examine whether Denver Public Schools and the Bethel district violated these parental rights provisions.
"Parents must be the decision-makers in matters impacting the most intimate parts of their children's lives," Frank Miller, director of the Student Privacy Policy Office at the Education Department, stated in an official announcement.
Context Behind the Investigations
Denver schools spokesperson Scott Pribble indicated the district was preparing its formal response and could not provide immediate comment. Meanwhile, the Bethel School District released a statement explaining that the testosterone vials displayed in June at Graham-Kapowsin High School had not received authorization from school administrators. The district confirmed the vials were promptly removed and handed over to the Pierce County Sheriff's Office for further review.
Testosterone is commonly prescribed as part of gender-affirming medical care. The Bethel district pledged full cooperation with the ongoing investigation. Notably, both districts are located in states currently governed by Democratic leaders.
The Trump administration has initiated numerous investigations into educational institutions that provide accommodations for transgender and LGBTQ+ students. These probes frequently target districts permitting students to access bathrooms or locker rooms consistent with their gender identities. Last year, the administration accused Denver schools of breaching Title IX protections against sex-based discrimination through its bathroom policy.
Additionally, Trump officials have challenged schools that maintain confidentiality regarding students' gender identities from their parents, characterizing such practices as violations of federal privacy regulations. The Education Department connected these new investigations to National Parents' Day, which occurred on Sunday. The agency promised to announce "significant actions" throughout the week related to enforcing parental rights legislation.
Regarding the Bethel district display, the school reported that some vials contained "a small amount of unknown liquid." It remained uncertain whether the substance had been tested and verified as testosterone. District spokesman Doug Boyles directed inquiries to the Pierce County Sheriff's Office. An email sent to Deputy Carly Cappetto of the sheriff's office had not been returned as of publication.
The Bethel district stated it is currently reviewing its protocols for monitoring school displays to "ensure all school materials strictly align with our educational standards and community expectations." The district emphasized that its primary objective continues to be maintaining a safe, respectful, and focused learning environment for every student.
___ Associated Press writer Collin Binkley in Washington D.C. contributed to this report.