TOPEKA (KSNT) – Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach is asking for federal investigations into several public school districts this year.
Kobach issued a press release on June 24 that he is requesting the U.S. Department of Education’s (DE) Office for Civil Rights to investigate four school districts for their allegedly disobeying the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). The school districts named by Kobach include the following:
- Shawnee Mission USD 512.
- Kansas City USD 500.
- Olathe USD 223.
- Topeka USD 501.
Kobach said he sent a letter to DE Secretary Linda McMahon stating the above schools allow or require educators to conceal information from parents concerning the “social transitioning” of their children. He goes on to say that three of the above districts also have policies which allow for students to share bathrooms, locker rooms and other spaces based on their selected gender identity.
“That a Kansas school district would so cavalierly act to hide such information from parents is shockingly irresponsible,” Kobach said.
Kobach issued notices to six school districts in 2023 over the policies he takes issue with. Two of the districts revised or rescinded the policies in question while the others reportedly haven’t taken action yet.
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27 News has reached out to education officials in Kansas and Topeka USD 501 for a response to Kobach’s letter. USD 501 spokesman Aarion Gray provided the following response:
“Topeka Public Schools (USD 501) recognizes the importance of parental rights and understands that student success is best achieved when families are actively involved in their child’s education. We are committed to working in partnership with parents, keeping them informed and engaged in all decisions that impact their student’s educational experience. Our district remains dedicated to ensuring that families are fully supported, valued, and involved every step of the way.”
Aarion Gray USD 501 spokesman statement
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