Judge Blocks Trump Administration From Cutting Funds to California for Not Disclosing Students’ Gender Transitions to Parents

A federal judge has temporarily blocked the Trump administration from cutting off billions of dollars to California over a policy that can block schools from telling parents if their children start to identify as a different gender.California’s policy prevents school staff from informing parents without the student’s consent that a student has begun to identify as a different gender. The policy, known as AB 1955, was signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom in 2024.Last month, the Trump administration gave California a two-week deadline to comply with a demand that it require schools to let parents know whenever their children start to identify as a different gender. The demand came with a warning that $4.9 billion in federal funds could be placed on hold if the state did not comply.Hours before the deadline, California’s attorney general filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, seeking a temporary restraining order to prevent the federal government from cutting off funds.On Wednesday, a federal district court judge, Noel Wise, issued a temporary restraining order that prevents the Trump administration from cutting off funds while California’s lawsuit plays out.Judge Wise said, “Given the number of California public school students potentially affected, the fact that the federal government has been equivocal regarding whether and when it may take action, and the opportunity for significant harm to the entire California education system, this dispute requires temporary judicial intervention until the matter can be fully briefed, and heard.”Judge Wise ordered representatives from California and the Trump administration to meet by February 17 to determine whether the federal government plans to try to cut off funds. A hearing has been scheduled for February 18 if the two parties cannot come to a resolution. California’s attorney general, Rob Bonta, said in a statement, “We will not stand by as the Trump Administration attempts to use baseless claims to attack crucial funding for California schools.”“We are committed to protecting California schools and securing a discrimination-free educational environment for all students,” he said.The Trump administration alleges that California’s policy violates the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, FERPA.In October, California officials said that the “plain language” of AB 1955 shows that there is “no conflict” with FERPA. The state has sought to defend its policy, noting that it is not a total ban on disclosures about a child’s gender identity and only applies if students do not consent to the information being shared with their parents.The issue of whether or not schools can block staff from telling parents about their child’s gender identity is also facing scrutiny in an ongoing federal lawsuit.

Judge Blocks Trump Administration From Cutting Funds to California for Not Disclosing Students’ Gender Transitions to Parents

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