US Department of Education investigations

The US Department of Education has initiated multiple federal investigations into school district practices across the country.

In New York City, the department’s Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Kimberly Richey, announced a probe into allegations of widespread sexual misconduct involving staff. The investigation is examining whether the district violated Title IX by mishandling or covering up claims, with reports indicating nearly 2,000 potential instances of misconduct. The department warned that the district could face the loss of federal funding.

Separately, the Student Privacy Policy Office launched investigations into three California school districts—North Monterey County, Palo Alto, and San Francisco unified—following allegations that students were surveyed on sensitive topics without parental consent. The probe focuses on whether these surveys regarding sexual orientation, gender identity, race, and other personal information violated the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment. Education Secretary Linda McMahon stated that the department is investigating these actions to ensure parents' rights to opt their children out of such surveys are upheld.