U.S. Investigates LA Schools Over Secret Gender Support Policies

The U.S. Department of Education has opened a civil rights investigation into the Los Angeles Unified School District. Officials are examining district policies on gender identity support and parental notification. The federal probe focuses on whether the district’s practices violate parents’ rights. LAUSD policies can allow staff to support a student’s social transition—like using a different name or pronouns—without informing parents. The district says this protects student privacy and safety. The investigation follows a lawsuit from two parents. They allege the district’s secrecy contributed to their child’s death. The lawsuit claims school staff affirmed their daughter’s male gender identity for months without their knowledge. The Department of Education has not commented on the specific allegations. The investigation will determine if federal laws were broken. LAUSD says it is cooperating fully.