The Department of Education (ED) is expanding its initiatives to dismantle federal bureaucracy and strengthen parental rights, including launching investigations into school districts accused of concealing students' gender transitions from their parents. An ED spokesperson told Fox News Digital that the department will "double down on its efforts to restore parental rights, return education to the states, and open more higher education pathways for students."
This announcement follows a wave of Democratic victories in recent midterm elections, which have put significant Republican-backed education legislation in jeopardy. In Texas, Democratic Governor-elect Gina Hinojosa has signaled her intention to reverse school choice expansions, stating, "This is a victory for the parents of Texas. We are taking our children’s education back from a government that has failed them."
Federal officials plan to initiate multiple investigations and have warned that schools concealing such information could face the withholding of federal funding. The ED spokesperson stated, "Parents must have access to the most sensitive information about their child’s well-being — and schools cannot stand in the way." The department also indicated it would collaborate with the Department of Justice (DOJ) to hold school districts and states accountable for violating parents' rights.
These actions echo previous efforts by the Trump administration. In July, the ED and DOJ began enforcement actions against two school districts for alleged violations of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) regarding gender identity policies. The department emphasized its commitment to ensuring post-secondary admissions remain merit-based, stating it will investigate universities that reportedly deny recruitment and financial support opportunities based solely on race.
In addition to focusing on parental rights, the ED plans to issue two "Returning Education to the States" waivers. These waivers are intended to allow state leaders to redirect federal funds toward initiatives that best improve student achievement, rather than allocating them for federal oversight.
The evolving educational policy landscape is also being shaped by shifting enrollment dynamics in urban districts. For instance, the Houston Independent School District board previously voted to close 12 campuses due to declining enrollment and the state's expanding school voucher framework.