The Trump administration has launched an investigation into numerous school districts in Maine, alleging that they are not complying with federal law by withholding information on students’ gender transitioning from parents. This investigation follows a similar one initiated in California by the U.S. Department of Education, citing possible violations of the Family Educational Rights Privacy Act.
In a letter to the Maine Department of Education, the federal department expressed concerns that the agency may have influenced districts to adopt policies that prevent parents from accessing student records related to gender transitioning. This development is part of an ongoing disagreement between Maine and the Trump administration regarding the rights of transgender students in schools and sports.
Despite requests for comment, representatives from the Maine Department of Education and the state attorney general’s office have remained silent on the matter. The federal Education Department has heard reports of Maine districts implementing policies that permit the creation of “gender plans” to support students’ transgender identities, while claiming that these plans are not considered educational records and therefore, not accessible to parents.
Education Secretary Linda McMahon emphasized that parents have the legal right to access their child’s education records to ensure their well-being, and any policy to the contrary is deemed unlawful and unethical. The investigation into Maine’s handling of transgender student issues began after a public disagreement between Trump and Governor Janet Mills, leading to threats of funding cuts and legal action.
Despite the ongoing legal scrutiny, the Maine Principals’ Association and a high school in the Portland area have stated that they will not comply with a proposed agreement to exclude transgender athletes from girls’ sports, while the Maine Department of Education has refrained from commenting on the matter.
