Washington’s Recent Policy Changes on Gender References in Education
Washington – Recently, the Trump administration took action, asking numerous states to eliminate gender references from sex education materials. If states do not comply, they risk losing federal funding.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) indicated that around 40 states, along with the District of Columbia, could face a loss of $81.3 million in federal funds connected to the Personally Responsible Education Program if they do not remove these references within 60 days.
This directive appears to target references to transgender and non-binary individuals. For instance, a communication to the Alaska Department of Health highlighted the need to strike mentions of transgender topics from the school curriculum.
In a statement from the Human Rights Campaign, a prominent LGBTQ+ advocacy group, spokesperson Laurel Powell described this policy shift as part of a broader effort to erase recognition of transgender individuals in government. She emphasized the importance of age-appropriate and factual sex education, arguing that failing to acknowledge the existence of trans people denies them critical information to make informed decisions about their health and bodies.
The Personally Responsible Education Program aims to reduce teen pregnancies and the spread of sexually transmitted diseases, particularly for young people in vulnerable situations, like those experiencing homelessness or living in foster care.
The states addressed by HHS include Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nevada, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
Latest Directive from the Administration
This demand exemplifies the administration’s ongoing efforts to eliminate what it refers to as “gender ideology.” They assert that traditional views on gender should prevail, rejecting the idea of a gender spectrum beyond the binary definition.
GLAAD, an LGBTQ+ advocacy organization, has characterized the term “gender ideology” as misleading and a tool used by critics to undermine gender diversity.
Shortly after this announcement, HHS sent a letter to California regarding their refusal to remove what the administration deemed “radical gender ideology” from educational resources.
Non-compliance could lead to federal funds being withheld or terminated, according to the agency.
“Accountability is coming,” stated Andrew Glaussson, the HHS administrative director focused on children and families. He reiterated that the program should align with congressional goals rather than progressive agendas.
The government is expected to intensify its scrutiny as policies regarding gender-affirming care continue to evolve. Previously, Trump enacted an order aimed at limiting such care for minors and reaffirmed a binary understanding of gender within U.S. policy. Furthermore, restrictions have been placed on transgender individuals in the military and in women’s sports.
