US Justice Department sues Anne Arundel County schools over student gender identity policies

Right · 1The US Justice Department sued Anne Arundel County Public Schools in Maryland on Oct 27, 2026, over transgender-related policies it says violate federal law. 1 Right · 2The complaint, filed in the US District Court for the District of Maryland, alleges violations of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA). 1 2 Right · 1According to the DOJ, the district's policies tell staff to follow a student's self-identified name, pronouns and gender identity without notifying parents. 2

Right · 1The lawsuit also alleges the school system files gender identity information as confidential, lets employees withhold it where there is a potential safety concern, and reports it to the Maryland State Department of Education without notifying parents. 2 Right · 1The complaint describes one family, under the pseudonyms Jane and John Doe, whose daughter ("Mary Doe") was allegedly referred to by a male name in a staff email; the staff member then tried to recall the email and later said it had gone to the wrong addresses, before admitting the student wanted to use the name. 2 Right · 1The lawsuit says a May 1 email with a field trip roster again used the male name after the staff member had assured the parents only the legal name would be used, and that when the parents sought education records, staff told them some needed an appointment and others a subpoena. 2

Right · 1The DOJ accuses the district of unauthorized disclosure of personally identifiable information, failing to obtain prior written parental consent, denying the right to inspect education records, and failing to notify parents or offer an opt-out. 2 Right · 1Assistant Attorney-General Harmeet Dhillon of the Civil Rights Division said schools should not discuss preferred pronouns or gender identity with a student without parental notification and consent. 1 Right · 1The district said it disagrees with the allegations and stands by its compliance with FERPA and PPRA, said it has been in regular contact with the Justice Department in good faith, and called the decision to sue regrettable. 1

Right · 1Reuters reported that the US Education Department had earlier accused the district of violating federal law by classifying a student's gender identity as confidential medical information that cannot be shared with parents; the district serves more than 84,000 students in 128 schools. 1 Right · 1Reuters described the suit as the latest move by President Donald Trump's administration to limit transgender rights, which has included federal probes, funding threats and an order recognising only two sexes. 1