By Rocky Mountain Voice Staff
The U.S. Department of Education under Secretary Linda McMahon has announced a sweeping effort to enforce existing federal laws that protect parental rights in public schools. The March 28 directive reaffirms parents’ authority over their children’s education and mental health records—specifically targeting public school policies that have kept parents in the dark.
The action revitalizes enforcement of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA), two long-standing federal laws designed to guarantee that parents are the primary decision-makers in a child’s education and well-being.
“The Trump Administration understands that the immense responsibility of raising children belongs to parents, not to the government,” said Secretary McMahon in a letter to educators.
McMahon’s letter outlined specific plans to clear the backlog of FERPA complaints that had grown under the previous administration and ensure that schools comply with federal law regarding student record access and parental notification.
Under FERPA, parents have the legal right to inspect and review their child’s school records and to consent to the release of personally identifiable information.
The Department’s Student Privacy Policy Office (SPPO) is now requiring states to submit documentation demonstrating compliance by April 30.
A central concern is the growing trend among school districts to hide information from parents regarding students’ “gender transitions.” According to the Department, some schools have developed so-called “Gender Plans” without parental consent or disclosure—practices that clearly conflict with federal law.
“I have been appalled to learn how schools are routinely hiding information about the mental and physical health of their students from parents,” McMahon wrote. “The practice of encouraging children down a path with irreversible repercussions—and hiding it from parents—must end.”
This renewed push comes as conservative leaders have raised alarm over schools embracing radical gender ideology without parental involvement. According to the Department, any documentation of gender identity or transition planning qualifies as part of a student’s educational record and must be made available to parents upon request, unless specific exemptions apply.
Parents across the country have been sounding the alarm over schools facilitating transitions, administering surveys, or using instructional materials involving highly sensitive topics without consent. Under PPRA, parents have the right to be notified—and opt out—when schools ask students about sex, religion, politics, mental health, or family beliefs.
For too long, many school districts have either failed to issue the required annual notices or created overly complex systems that intimidate parents from asserting their rights. Under the new directive, that ends now.
“Schools should not treat parents as enemies just for wanting to know about the mental and physical health and safety of their own children,” the Secretary’s letter states.
The Department is backing its directive with enforcement tools. Schools and states that violate FERPA or PPRA may now face investigation—and even the loss of federal funding.
According to the U.S. Department of Education’s official press release: “Institutions that fail to comply with FERPA and PPRA may, consistent with applicable law, face investigation and loss of federal funding.”
Investigations are already underway in states like California and Maine, where policies have allegedly barred parents from accessing records tied to gender transition plans.
Additionally, the Department’s March 2025 Superintendent’s Annual Notice reiterates school districts’ obligations to provide clear notices, honor parental opt-out rights, and maintain transparency in student data handling.
This move marks a significant shift back toward parental authority in education—an issue at the heart of the conservative movement in recent years. As critical race theory, gender ideology, and politically charged content have crept into classrooms, concerned parents have pushed for more oversight and accountability from public institutions.
Now, under renewed federal leadership, that accountability is finally taking shape.
“The Department stands with parents in exercising their rights to the full extent of the law,” Secretary McMahon declared.