Legal Group Urges Federal Investigation into Rhode Island School District's Gender Transition Policy

America First Legal (AFL) has filed a formal complaint with the U.S. Departments of Justice and Education, calling for a federal investigation into Westerly Public Schools (WPS) in Rhode Island. The conservative legal group alleges that the district's 2017 transgender student policy unlawfully permits school officials to facilitate students' gender transitions without parental notification or consent.

According to the complaint, the policy allows for changes to students' names, pronouns, and school records, and permits students to use bathrooms, locker rooms, and participate in sports according to their gender identity, rather than their biological sex. AFL contends that this policy violates multiple federal laws, including the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA). The group also argues that the policy potentially infringes upon Title IX by compromising female students' privacy, safety, and athletic opportunities.

"Westerly Public Schools' policy blatantly violates federal law, tramples on parents' rights, and embraces radical gender ideology," Ian Prior, senior counsel at America First Legal, stated. "AFL is calling on the Department of Justice and the Department of Education to step in and hold WPS accountable."

The policy's guidance for secondary students notes that notification to parents about a student's gender identity, expression, or transition is generally considered unnecessary if parents are already supportive. However, it also states that for students who do not wish for their parents to be aware of their transgender status, schools should address these situations on a case-by-case basis, balancing support for the student with the desire to keep parents informed. In such cases, school administration is directed to seek guidance from the superintendent and consider the student's age, health, well-being, and safety when determining the degree of parental involvement.

America First Legal has previously challenged school policies they argue infringe on parental rights. The organization cited a Trump administration lawsuit against Kansas City Public Schools in Kansas concerning similar allegations of undisclosed student gender transitions and violations of FERPA and PPRA, seeking a comparable outcome in the Westerly case.

The Department of Justice confirmed receipt of the complaint, stating, "The Department has received the complaint and will review it. As a matter of policy, the Department does not confirm or deny the existence of investigations. The Justice Department is committed to enforcing Title IX and to protecting the fundamental right of parents to direct the upbringing and education of their children." The Department of Education informed Fox News Digital that it does not confirm specific complaints.

Westerly Public Schools were contacted by Fox News Digital for comment.