Impact of Executive Order Imposing Restrictions on Transgender Students in K-12 Schools

On January 29, President Trump signed an executive order aimed at eliminating protections for transgender students and restricting instruction related to race, gender, and other topics in K-12 schools. 1 The order targets transgender students in five main ways: Restricting the recognition of gender identity and use of names and pronouns in schools.The order calls on federal agencies to rescind and withhold funding from K-12 schools that support transgender students by recognizing their gender and using their names and pronouns. 2 Limiting access to shared facilities and programs, such as restrooms, in schools.The order calls on federal agencies to rescind and withhold federal funding from K-12 schools that allow transgender students to use shared facilities such as restrooms and locker rooms consistent with their gender identity. 3 Barring participating in sports teams.The order also calls on federal agencies to rescind and withhold federal funding from schools that allow transgender students to participate on sports teams consistent with their gender identity. 4 Forced outing of students.The order makes multiple references to protecting parental rights under federal educational privacy laws 5 and calls on agencies to rescind and withhold federal funding from schools that 1 Ending Radical Indoctrination in K-12 Schools, The White House (Jan.29, 2025), https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/ ending-radical-indoctrination-in-k-12-schooling/ 2 Id. 3(b)(iii).3 Id. 3(b)(iii), 2(e).4 Id. 3(b)(iii), 2(e).5 Id. 1 ("For example, steering students toward surgical and chemical mutilation without parental consent or involvement or allowing males access to private spaces designated for females may contravene Federal laws that protect parental rights, including the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA), and sex-based equality and opportunity, including Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX)."); 3(a)(ii) ("protecting parental rights, pursuant to FERPA, 20 U.S.C. 1232g, and the PPRA, 20 U.S.C.1232h, with respect to any K-12 policies or conduct implicated by the purpose and policy of this order.")