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The Department of Agriculture is supporting the Department of Education in its investigation into California’s law that prevents school officials from disclosing a child’s “gender identity” to parents.
In a letter sent Thursday evening, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins informed California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom of the decision, according to a report first obtained by The Daily Wire.
“This is to inform you that, at the direction of President Donald J. Trump, the United States Department of Agriculture is undertaking a review of its research and other education-related funding in California for compliance with the Constitution, federal laws including Titles VI and IX, and the priorities of the Trump Administration,” Rollins wrote.
“As the ED reported today, FERPA gives parents the right to access their children’s education records, but the California Department of Education has allegedly abdicated the responsibilities FERPA imposes, due to a new California state law that prohibits school personnel from disclosing records about a child’s ‘gender identity’ to that child’s parent,” Rollins wrote.
The Department of Education has launched an investigation into the California Department of Education over potential violations of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). The inquiry follows the enactment of a new California law that prevents schools from disclosing a child’s “gender identity” to their parents.
FERPA guarantees parents the right to access their children’s educational records, and the Trump administration maintains that this right extends to interactions with school staff regarding gender identity and mental health.
“Teachers and school counselors should not be in the business of advising minors entrusted to their care on consequential decisions about their sexual identity and mental health. That responsibility and privilege lies with a parent or trusted loved one,” Education Secretary Linda McMahon said in a statement.
“It is not only immoral but also potentially in contradiction with federal law for California schools to hide crucial information about a student’s well-being from parents and guardians.”
Newsom spokesperson Elena Ross was quick to blame the Department of Education in a statement to Fox News Digital.
“Parents continue to have full, guaranteed access to their student’s education records, as required by federal law,” Ross stated. “If the U.S. Department of Education still had staff, this would be a quick investigation — all they would need to do is read the law the Governor signed.”