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The Trump administration moved Thursday to cut off federal funding to four Kansas school districts accused of violating Title IX by allowing male students to use girls’ restrooms and locker rooms, escalating a dispute that has been unfolding for months.
The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights gave the districts in Olathe, Shawnee Mission and Topeka 10 days to comply with federal directives or face possible referral to the Department of Justice and termination of federal funding. Officials also notified Kansas City Public Schools that enforcement action was being prepared after negotiations stalled.
The action follows an April determination by the Office for Civil Rights that the districts violated Title IX by permitting male students access to female restrooms, locker rooms and changing facilities, and by allowing some male athletes to participate in girls’ sports based on gender identity.
Federal officials said the districts also failed to comply with parents’ rights under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, or FERPA, regarding access to student records.
“These Kansas school districts’ ongoing refusal to come into compliance with Title IX puts the safety, privacy, and dignity of young women and girls at risk,” said Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Kimberly Richey.
““The Districts must come into compliance with Title IX or risk further enforcement action. As we recognize June as Title IX Month, the Trump Administration will continue to fiercely protect students and parents by enforcing federal law and ensuring that schools uphold the rights women and girls are guaranteed under Title IX,” she added.
The investigations began in August 2025 after complaints were filed by the Defense of Freedom Institute. Kris Kobach later urged Education Secretary Linda McMahon to take action against the districts.
Olathe Public Schools strongly disputed the federal government’s findings, saying it had already submitted a signed voluntary resolution agreement in May and remained in compliance with both Title IX and FERPA.
The district accused the administration of pursuing “a predetermined result that does not reflect the facts, the law, or the district’s actual practices,” and said it would challenge any effort to revoke federal funding.
Topeka Public Schools said it disagreed with the Office for Civil Rights’ conclusions but would continue discussions with federal officials. Kansas City Public Schools said it was still reviewing the notice.
Title IX prohibits sex discrimination in federally funded education programs and allows the federal government to terminate funding if violations are not resolved.
