The Trump administration has launched federal investigations into 36 school districts in Illinois over lessons that include LGBTQ+ topics, marking the latest move in President Donald Trump’s renewed campaign against what his government describes as “gender ideology” in public institutions.
The US Department of Justice said its civil rights division would examine whether the districts had included teaching on sexual orientation or gender identity without properly notifying parents or allowing children to be withdrawn from such lessons. Investigators will also assess policies relating to transgender pupils’ access to toilets, changing rooms and school sports.
Announcing the investigations, assistant attorney general Harmeet Dhillon said the department was determined to stop schools “keeping parents in the dark” about how issues of sexuality and gender were being taught. She said the inquiries would consider whether districts were complying with Title IX and Supreme Court guidance on parental rights, adding that no conclusions had yet been reached.
Illinois officials and school leaders have condemned the move. Some have accused the administration of singling out the state for political reasons and of attempting to intimidate educators. Civil liberties groups argue the investigations risk stigmatising LGBTQ+ pupils and could discourage schools from addressing bullying, inclusion and diversity in the classroom.
The investigations come against the backdrop of a wider assault by Trump and his administration on LGBTQ+ protections since his return to the White House. On his first day in office, Trump signed executive orders declaring that the US government would formally recognise only two sexes and dismantling diversity, equity and inclusion programmes across federal agencies.
The administration has also reinstated a ban on trans people serving in the US military, restricted access to gender‑affirming healthcare for under‑19s and rolled back measures designed to prevent discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation or gender identity.
According to advocacy group GLAAD, Mr Trump’s first and second administrations combined have been responsible for hundreds of actions and policy moves it describes as anti‑LGBTQ+, including cuts to health programmes and the removal of specialised crisis support services for LGBTQ+ youth.
Scene was founded in Brighton in 1993, at a time when news stories about Pride protests were considered radical.
Since then, Scene has remained proudly independent, building a platform for queer voices. Every subscription helps us to report on the stories that matter to LGBTQ+ people across the UK and beyond.
Your support funds our journalists and contributes to Pride Community Foundation’s grant-making and policy work.
Member discussion