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Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach is urging the U.S. Department of Education to launch an investigation into four Kansas school districts—three of them in the Kansas City metro area—for allegedly violating federal laws concerning gender identity policies.
The call comes in response to practices the Attorney General believes may infringe upon Title IX and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
AG Kobach Seeks Federal Oversight
On June 25, 2025, Kobach sent a formal letter to Education Secretary Linda McMahon, requesting an investigation into the following school districts:
- Kansas City USD 500
- Olathe USD 233
- Shawnee Mission USD 512
- Topeka USD 501
The letter accuses these districts of enabling “illegal social transition policies,” allowing students to change their gender identity at school without parental consent or notification. The Attorney General asserts that these practices not only infringe upon parental rights but may also be in direct violation of FERPA and Title IX protections.
Defense of Freedom Institute Complaint Adds Pressure
The Defense of Freedom Institute for Policy Studies (DFI) also submitted a separate complaint, echoing Kobach’s concerns and further alleging that:
- School staff are instructed to withhold information from parents.
- Students are permitted to use facilities (like bathrooms and locker rooms) aligned with their gender identity rather than biological sex.
- Several educators have reportedly faced disciplinary action for misgendering students or questioning gender transition-related policies.
The DFI contends that these actions amount to both sex-based discrimination and a violation of parental rights under federal law.
Districts Defend Their Policies
Each school district named in the complaint has responded, maintaining their commitment to following federal and state laws while supporting student welfare:
Shawnee Mission USD 512
The district reaffirmed its stance of inclusion and respect for transgender students, calling the Attorney General’s letter a “publicity stunt.” SMSD emphasized its prior communications with Kobach’s office and denied any reports of parental concerns being ignored.
Kansas City USD 500
KCKPS stated that it complies fully with FERPA and other federal laws. The district reiterated its dedication to creating a safe environment for all students and encouraged families to communicate directly with the administration regarding any concerns.
Olathe USD 233
Olathe Public Schools denied ever socially transitioning students. The district recounted its history of engagement with the Attorney General’s office, saying that despite numerous meetings and correspondences, no specific violations were cited by the AG’s team. Olathe officials characterized the accusations as politically motivated and maintained their focus on education over politics.
Potential Consequences of Federal Investigation
If the U.S. Department of Education finds any of the districts in violation of Title IX or FERPA, they could face serious sanctions, including the potential loss of federal funding. The outcome of this probe could set a national precedent on how school districts manage gender identity policies and parental rights in educational settings.
The push by AG Kris Kobach and the Defense of Freedom Institute to investigate Kansas school districts has reignited national debate over gender identity in schools, parental consent, and student privacy.
While school districts stand by their inclusive practices, the legal implications could be significant if federal violations are found.
As the situation unfolds, both educators and families across Kansas will be watching closely for outcomes that could reshape education policy and civil rights compliance.