DOJ Issues Ultimatum to Maryland School District Over Transgender Policy

Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon sent a letter on July 29 to the Anne Arundel County Public Schools (AACPS) in Maryland, demanding that the district cease withholding information about student gender transitions from parents or face potential litigation from the Department of Justice (DOJ). Dhillon stated that AACPS appears to have implemented a policy of nondisclosure regarding students' gender identities, which may violate the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). The letter gives the district seven days to comply with federal law or risk losing federal funding and facing legal action. The DOJ's action is part of a broader initiative by the Trump administration to challenge school policies that allow students to socially transition without parental knowledge. The letter also highlights complaints received by the Education Department from parents alleging that the district was not transparent about their children's gender identity transitions. The policy in question allows students to use preferred names and pronouns without parental approval, although staff are encouraged to involve families unless safety concerns arise. The Anne Arundel County and Ann Arbor Public Schools did not respond to requests for comment regarding the ultimatum.