Four Kansas School Districts Under Federal Investigation for Alleged Title IX, FERPA Violations

Four Kansas school districts, including Topeka Public Schools, are now under formal investigation by the U.S. Department of Education. The investigations, announced on August 14, focus on alleged violations of Title IX and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

The districts being investigated are Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools (USD 500), Olathe Public Schools (USD 233), Shawnee Mission School District (USD 512), and Topeka Public Schools (USD 501).

Allegations

The complaint that triggered these investigations was filed by the Defense of Freedom Institute. It accuses the districts of two main violations. First, it claims the schools allow students to use sports teams and facilities like locker rooms based on gender identity rather than biological sex. Second, it alleges that the districts either allow or require staff to keep a child’s gender transition from their parents.

Supporters of the investigation, like Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach, argue that such policies go against Title IX protections and parental rights. Kobach called this an essential step toward upholding what he sees as the true purpose of Title IX — protecting girls’ equal access to education and safety.

Reactions

Kobach celebrated the move by the Department of Education, saying, “I am grateful that we now have a federal government that takes Title IX seriously and will ensure that school districts follow the law.”

On the other hand, school districts are pushing back on these claims. Topeka Public Schools spokesperson Dr. Aarion Gray responded to the June request for investigation by highlighting the district’s commitment to keeping families involved and informed.

“Topeka Public Schools recognizes the importance of parental rights and understands that student success is best achieved when families are actively involved,” Gray said.

Federal Response

In a sharply worded statement, U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon accused the districts of allowing “gender ideology to run amok.” She argued that the schools are creating unsafe environments for young girls and accused them of keeping critical information from parents.

McMahon emphasized that the Department of Education intends to “vigorously investigate” and stop these practices, framing the issue as one of both legal and moral urgency.

Political Divide

The issue has exposed deep political divides in Kansas. Democratic Senator Dinah Sykes from Lenexa fired back, accusing Republicans of launching politically motivated attacks on schools.

Sykes called the claims vague and misleading, arguing that public schools should be focusing on real issues like student mental health, food insecurity, and underfunding — not defending themselves against what she referred to as a distraction.

She added, “Kansas Senate Democrats are proud to stand with our public school districts and the work they do to support and educate our children.”

Here’s a snapshot of the investigation status:

District Name	District Number	Under Investigation
Kansas City Public Schools	USD 500	Yes
Olathe Public Schools	USD 233	Yes
Shawnee Mission Schools	USD 512	Yes
Topeka Public Schools	USD 501	Yes

What’s Next?

It’s unclear how long the investigations will take or what specific outcomes could follow. If violations are confirmed, the districts could be required to revise their policies or face penalties related to federal funding.

In the meantime, the debate over Title IX, student privacy, and parental rights continues to divide not just school communities, but state and national political leaders as well.

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