Federal Probe Targets California Districts Over Student Surveys on Identity and Immigration

The U.S. Department of Education announced federal investigations into three California school districts—North Monterey County Unified, Palo Alto Unified and San Francisco Unified—following allegations that students were required to complete questionnaires probing sexual orientation, gender identity, race, family income and immigration status without parental knowledge or written consent. Education Secretary Linda McMahon said the probes focus on possible violations of the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment, which obliges schools to notify parents and obtain consent before collecting data on protected subjects such as political, religious or sexual matters.

The districts incorporated the surveys into ethnic-studies curricula through activities labeled “Wheel of Power/Privilege” and “Mapping My Identities.” Parents have accused the districts of limiting curriculum transparency and refusing opt-out requests. Frank Miller of the Student Privacy Policy Office warned that students should not be pressured to disclose intimate personal details without parental awareness. The investigations could result in enforcement actions, including loss of federal funding, if violations are confirmed.