U.S. Education Department Targets Virginia Schools Over Transgender Bathroom Policies

The U.S. Department of Education has accused five northern Virginia school districts of violating federal law by allowing transgender students to use bathrooms and facilities that align with their gender identity. The districts, which serve about one-third of Virginia’s public school students, were given 10 days to comply with federal findings or face potential enforcement actions by the Department of Justice.

The investigation stemmed from a complaint filed by the conservative America First Legal Foundation, founded by senior White House aide Stephen Miller. Craig Trainor, a civil rights official at the department, said the move aims to end what he called “radical gender ideology” in schools.

This action aligns with several executive orders from President Donald Trump, who has banned transgender individuals from military service, blocked their participation in female sports, and cut federal funding for programs promoting gender identity policies in schools.

Prince William County Public Schools and Alexandria City Public Schools said they are reviewing the findings and remain committed to safe learning environments. Arlington, Fairfax, and Loudoun County Public Schools have not commented.

Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin, who has opposed policies allowing transgender students to be treated according to their gender identity, praised the department’s findings, calling them a return to “commonsense.”

Separately, the department launched an investigation into Oregon schools for allowing transgender girls to compete in female-only sports following a complaint from the America First Policy Institute, led by Education Secretary Linda McMahon. The group hailed the probe as crucial to “restoring equal opportunity” in women’s athletics, while LGBTQ advocates argue such bans stigmatize a vulnerable minority.

The Oregon Department of Education declined to comment, citing ongoing litigation filed by parents of female athletes.