The Department of Education, under President Donald Trump’s administration, has launched an investigation into five school districts in northern Virginia.
The probe aims to determine whether these districts’ transgender policies are in violation of recent executive orders signed by Trump.
Executive Orders and Their Impact on Schools
Since taking office, President Trump has issued several executive orders aimed at restricting what he views as gender ideology in schools.
One of the key orders, signed on January 29, 2025, specifically prohibits K-12 schools from supporting or facilitating a “social transition” for students regarding their gender.
This means schools cannot allow students to change their name or use pronouns that do not match their biological sex, nor can they participate in bathrooms or locker rooms designated for the opposite sex.
The executive order also targets athletic competitions, mandating that students can only compete in sports aligned with their biological sex.
Schools that fail to comply with these rules risk losing access to federal funding under Title IX.
Policies Under Investigation in Northern Virginia
Before the new executive order, many schools across the country were allowing or even encouraging students to undergo social transitions.
The ongoing investigation into five school districts in northern Virginia marks the first time the Department of Education is formally checking compliance with these new federal guidelines.
The schools under scrutiny include Alexandria City Public Schools, Arlington Public Schools, Fairfax County Public Schools, Loudoun County Public Schools, and Prince William County Public Schools, all located in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.
One example of a policy being questioned is Prince William County Public Schools’ regulation 738-5.
This regulation requires staff to refer to students using pronouns that match their gender identity, even if this conflicts with the student’s biological sex.
It also permits access to locker rooms and restrooms that align with a student’s gender identity.
School Districts Respond to the Investigation
A spokesperson for Prince William County Public Schools confirmed that they had been notified about the Department of Education’s investigation.
The spokesperson stated that the school division would cooperate fully with the investigation, noting their commitment to maintaining a supportive and inclusive environment for all students, both mentally and emotionally.
This investigation is set to be a key development in how schools across the nation handle transgender issues, potentially influencing policies and funding in the future.