DOJ Sues Maryland School District Over Withholding Students' Gender Identity Info
The DOJ sued Anne Arundel County Public Schools for allegedly violating federal laws by withholding students' gender identity information from parents.
Why it matters: This case underscores federal enforcement of parental rights under education privacy laws, impacting how school districts manage sensitive student information and compliance for legal counsel advising education entities.
- DOJ filed the lawsuit on October 27, 2026, citing violations of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA).
- Anne Arundel County Public Schools (AACPS) allowed students to use names and pronouns aligned with different gender identities without parental consent or notification.
- AACPS allegedly misled parents about their child's gender identity and denied access to education records showing such information.
- AACPS revised its gender identity policy in August 2026 to clarify parental rights to review education records after federal concerns were raised.
On October 27, 2026, the U.S. Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against Anne Arundel County Public Schools (AACPS), alleging violations of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA). These federal laws protect parents' rights to access their children's education records and control certain information collected about students.
The DOJ claims AACPS's policies allowed students to use names and pronouns consistent with a gender identity different from their sex assigned at birth without parental consent or notification. In one example cited, parents learned from teacher emails that their daughter was referred to by a male name and male pronouns. When parents requested records, the district allegedly denied involvement in supporting the student’s gender identity and withheld relevant education records.
FERPA grants parents the right to access education records maintained by schools, while PPRA governs parental consent related to surveys and collection of information on sensitive topics. The DOJ argues AACPS’s practices violated these rights by withholding information about students' gender identity, transgender status, sexual orientation, preferred names, and pronouns.
In August 2026, AACPS updated its gender identity policy to clarify parental rights to review education records containing such information, after receiving federal pressure from the U.S. Department of Education and DOJ.
Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon, head of the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division, stated, "Schools must notify and obtain consent from parents before discussing preferred pronouns or gender identity with students. Parents have a legal right to review education records reflecting these matters." She added, "Parents should not be misled, ignored, or labeled safety risks when requesting access to their children's educational information."
AACPS spokesperson Bob Mosier responded that the district "disagrees with the allegations and maintains compliance with FERPA and PPRA," signaling plans to defend its policies.
This lawsuit reflects a broader federal initiative to enforce parental rights in education settings. Its outcome may influence nationwide school district policies on managing gender identity issues and compliance with federal privacy laws.
By the numbers:
- October 27, 2026 — Date DOJ filed the lawsuit against AACPS
- August 2026 — Month AACPS amended gender identity policy following federal concerns
Yes, but: AACPS denies the allegations and claims its policies comply with FERPA and PPRA, indicating this legal dispute may involve contested interpretations of federal education privacy laws.
What's next: The case will proceed through federal court, with hearings and potential motions shaping how parental rights and gender identity policies in schools are legally defined.