DOE and DOJ increase enforcement of parental rights laws on school districts

The U.S. Department of Education and the Department of Justice announced a coordinated effort to enforce parental‑rights statutes in public schools that have been accused of withholding student information related to gender identity and privacy violations. The agencies cited recent complaints that school districts were not providing parents with required records or notifications about students’ gender‑affirming care, mental‑health services, or disciplinary actions that could affect a child’s educational trajectory.

Under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and state‑level parental‑rights laws, parents are entitled to access and review a child’s educational records and to be informed of any actions that may impact their child’s well‑being. The enforcement action involves audits of district compliance, mandatory reporting of any breaches, and potential civil penalties for districts that fail to meet the legal requirements. The agencies also emphasized that the initiative aims to protect students’ privacy while ensuring parents are fully informed about their children’s school experiences.

The DOJ and DOE’s intensified oversight signals a broader push to hold school districts accountable for transparency and privacy. While the agencies have not yet named specific districts, they have indicated that any district found to be intentionally hiding information will face corrective measures and possible legal action. The move underscores the federal commitment to upholding both students’ rights to privacy and parents’ rights to be informed about their children’s education.