Key facts
- The U.S. Education Department is investigating Denver Public Schools and Bethel School District over alleged violations of federal student privacy laws.
- The investigations stem from allegations including a teacher requiring students of the same sex to kiss and a display of testosterone vials.
- The department cited potential violations of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), which governs parental rights regarding student information.
- Denver Public Schools stated the teacher involved was placed on administrative leave and subsequently fired.
- Bethel School District reported that unauthorized testosterone vials were removed from a school display and handed over to law enforcement.
The U.S. Education Department has launched investigations into two school districts, Denver Public Schools and Bethel School District, over allegations of violating federal student privacy laws. These probes, initiated by Trump administration officials, focus on incidents including a teacher allegedly requiring same-sex students to kiss and a display of testosterone vials at a high school during Pride month.
The department stated that these investigations will determine if the districts violated the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), which grants parents the right to opt out of school evaluations concerning sensitive topics. Frank Miller, director of the Student Privacy Policy Office, emphasized that parents should be the primary decision-makers in their children's personal matters.
Denver Public Schools confirmed that the teacher involved in the alleged kissing exercise was placed on administrative leave in March 2025 and subsequently fired in May after an investigation. A district spokesperson stated that the safety and well-being of students are top priorities.
Bethel School District acknowledged that vials containing an unknown liquid were displayed at Graham-Kapowsin High School without authorization and were immediately removed and given to the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office. The district is reviewing its protocols for displays to ensure alignment with educational standards.
The Trump administration has previously initiated numerous investigations into schools that accommodate transgender and LGBTQ+ students, often citing violations of Title IX and federal privacy laws for policies related to bathroom use and parental notification about students' gender identities.