Federal probe launched into Minnesota schools' planned use of transgender dolls

Following a grievance lodged by Defending Education, the U.S. Education Department announced a probe into a purported plan by Minnesota public schools to use transgender dolls in classroom activities this fall. The dolls, marketed by MyGenderDolls.com as therapeutic tools for gender-diverse children aged 4-10, feature interchangeable clothing and reproductive parts. Parents argued the initiative violated their statutory and constitutional rights by lacking notification or opt-out provisions, invoking the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment.

Minnesota’s Department of Education and University of Minnesota researchers have clarified that the dolls are not slated for use in public schools this year, and seven of the region’s largest districts said they were unaware of any such program. Education Secretary Linda McMahon expressed concern over exposing young children to the material without parental consent, while critics like Tom Gommels and Nic Dunn framed the issue as part of a broader debate over LGBTQ curricula in schools.