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Parents and advocates urge State Board to defend trans‑inclusive policies amid federal Title IX reviews
Summary
Multiple in‑person and virtual public commenters told the board that gender‑inclusive policies save lives, urged protection of student privacy during federal Title IX and DOJ inquiries, and asked MSDE to continue standing with transgender students and staff.
Dozens of public commenters used the State Board of Education’s public comment period to press the board to defend gender‑inclusive school policies and protect student privacy in the face of federal investigations.
"These policies are literally saving lives," said Ever Hannah, an attorney and policy specialist with Trans Maryland, testifying in support of trans students and inclusive K‑12 policies. Several speakers referenced ongoing Title IX investigations by the U.S. Department of Education and Department of Justice into multiple Maryland counties and asked MSDE to avoid sharing individualized student information.
A Prince George’s County parent coalition speaker asked the board to "continue to stand by these guidelines" and urged MSDE not to disclose individualized data to federal investigators, saying disclosure could endanger students. Other speakers — including parents, teachers and youth advocates — said gender‑inclusive policies support academic outcomes, mental‑health and school belonging.
Board members did not debate policy changes during public comment. Chair and staff reminded the public that board members will take comments "under advisement" and that formal responses are bound by law and privacy protections.
Speakers urged continued monitoring of how federal inquiries affect local practices and asked MSDE to provide clear, public guidance about privacy protections for students and staff during investigations.
