WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Education’s Title IX Special Investigations Team has initiated a directed investigation into the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI).
The action follows reports that OSPI may have imposed requirements on school districts potentially conflicting with federal laws, including Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), and the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA) .
According to the U.S. Department of Education, the investigation aims to assess whether OSPI’s policies align with federal mandates designed to protect students’ rights and ensure non-discriminatory educational environments. Title IX prohibits sex-based discrimination in any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance, while FERPA safeguards the privacy of student education records, and PPRA governs the administration of certain surveys and evaluations to students.
State Superintendent Chris Reykdal responded to the investigation, stating, “This investigation, which alleges that OSPI is out of compliance with Title IX, FERPA, and PPRA, is the latest target in the Administration’s dangerous war against individuals who are transgender or gender-expansive.” He emphasized OSPI’s commitment to upholding students’ rights and ensuring that its policies meet all legal requirements.
The outcome of this investigation could have significant implications for how state education agencies develop and implement policies affecting school districts. It also underscores the federal government’s ongoing efforts to enforce compliance with laws designed to protect students’ rights and promote equitable educational opportunities.