WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Education has initiated a series of investigations and actions addressing alleged violations of federal laws ranging from civil rights to privacy protections. These measures, announced this week, highlight the Department’s strict enforcement of Title IX, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), and federal funding guidelines to ensure accountability across educational institutions nationwide.
Title IX Investigations Target Discrimination Concerns in Oregon
On Tuesday, March 25, the Department’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) announced an investigation into Portland Public Schools and the Oregon School Activities Association (OSAA). The probe responds to allegations that the entities violated Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 by allowing a male student athlete to compete in girls’ track and field competitions.
The accusations stem from reports that a male athlete won high-profile events in the girls’ division over two consecutive seasons, taking titles at both league and championship levels. The complaints claim this policy deprived female athletes of equal competition and recognition under federal law.
“We will not allow the Portland Public Schools District or any other educational entity that receives federal funds to trample on the antidiscrimination protections that women and girls are guaranteed under law,” stated Craig Trainor, Acting Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights.
OCR also opened a directed investigation into OSAA’s “gender identity participation” policy, which it suspects may conflict with Title IX. Federal law explicitly prohibits discrimination based on sex, ensuring equal opportunities for female athletes and overriding state policies that attempt to preempt national standards.
Income-Driven Repayment Options Restored for Federal Student Loan Borrowers
On Wednesday, March 26, the Department’s Office of Federal Student Aid (FSA) announced the reopening of income-driven repayment (IDR) plan and loan consolidation applications. These forms were previously suspended to revise them in compliance with a February injunction issued by the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals, which blocked provisions tied to the Biden Administration’s Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) plan.
Acting Under Secretary James Bergeron applauded the rapid adjustment, saying, “Our team was able to relaunch this application within weeks, ensuring borrowers have access and the ability to access all legal repayment plans.”
With these updates, borrowers can now apply for IDR plans like Income-Based Repayment (IBR) and Income-Contingent Repayment (ICR) through revised forms. Despite the legal challenges to SAVE, the Department remains committed to providing accessible repayment pathways that adhere to federal requirements.
FERPA Enforcement Intensifies with Investigations in California and Maine
The Department’s Student Privacy Policy Office (SPPO) has taken steps to address suspected FERPA violations in California and Maine. On Thursday, March 27, SPPO launched an inquiry into the California Department of Education, scrutinizing policies that allegedly prohibit schools from disclosing students’ gender identities to their parents. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon condemned these practices, emphasizing, “It is not only immoral but also potentially in contradiction with federal law for California schools to hide crucial information about a student’s wellbeing from parents and guardians.”
Just one day later, SPPO expanded its oversight to the Maine Department of Education. The investigation focuses on school districts accused of excluding parents from decisions regarding “gender transition” plans for students. This expansion reflects Secretary McMahon’s directives to resolve a backlog of FERPA complaints and take a more aggressive approach to enforcing parental rights.
“Parents and guardians have the right to access their child’s education records to guide and safeguard their child’s mental, emotional, and physical well-being,” McMahon said, underscoring the importance of strengthening federal compliance mechanisms.
SPPO also issued a Dear Colleague Letter to state and local education officials reinforcing their obligations to notify parents annually of their privacy rights under FERPA and the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA).
Federal Funding Misuse Allegations Lead to Revoked Waivers
On Thursday, March 27, the Department revoked waivers granted under the Performance Partnership Pilots for Disconnected Youth (P3) program to California and Oregon higher education institutions. The waivers had allowed federal TRIO Program funds, originally intended to assist low-income, first-generation, and disabled students, to be used for services benefiting illegal immigrants.
“American taxpayer dollars will no longer be used to subsidize illegal immigrants through Department of Education programs,” said Acting Under Secretary Bergeron.
This action reaffirms the Department’s commitment to directing federal resources toward their intended beneficiaries, ensuring programs like TRIO fulfill their purpose under Title IV of the Higher Education Act.
Federal Standards Take Priority
Amid these enforcement actions, the Department reiterated that federal laws like Title IX, FERPA, and PPRA take precedence over state legislation. Institutions and agencies failing to comply risk losing federal funding, with multiple investigations signaling an era of stricter oversight.
By targeting systemic issues such as misuse of funds, inadequate parental rights protections, and noncompliance with anti-discrimination laws, the Department aims to uphold legal and ethical standards in education. These steps solidify its commitment to protecting students, empowering parents, and demonstrating fiscal accountability.
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