DOJ Sues Anne Arundel Schools, Alleging Gender Transitions Were Hidden From Parents

The U.S. Justice Department sued Maryland’s Anne Arundel County Board of Education on October 27, alleging the district concealed students’ use of different names and pronouns from parents and denied access to related education records.

The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, alleges violations of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, known as FERPA, and the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment, or PPRA. Federal officials are seeking a court order blocking the challenged practices. The complaint presents the government’s allegations, rather than court findings.

According to the Justice Department, Anne Arundel County Public Schools directed employees to ask students about their names, pronouns and gender identities, document that information and act on it without notifying parents. The department alleges the district classified gender identity information as confidential and allowed employees to withhold it based on assertions that parental notification could create safety concerns.

Federal officials also allege the district reported students’ gender identity information to the Maryland State Department of Education without giving parents notice or an opportunity to challenge its accuracy.

The case concerns social transition at school, including changes in names and pronouns.

Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon said schools should obtain parental notification and consent before discussing students’ preferred pronouns or gender identity. She accused the district of obstructing parents seeking information about their children.

The department’s announcement describes an anonymous family’s experience during the 2025–2026 school year. Parents identified as Jane and John Doe allegedly received two teacher emails referring to their daughter by a male name and pronouns.

According to the department, school employees initially denied helping the student use that identity at school, later acknowledged misleading the parents and declined to provide details or relevant education records.

The government argues that the district’s practices unlawfully restricted parental access to records and collected protected information without the consent or notification required under federal law.

The district disputes those allegations. In a statement reported by Maryland Matters, spokesperson Bob Mosier said AACPS maintains that it complies with both FERPA and PPRA. He said the district had been communicating with federal officials to resolve their concerns and would respond to the lawsuit through its court filings.

Maryland Matters also reported that the district amended its gender policy in August following federal scrutiny. The revised language states that the regulation cannot restrict parents’ FERPA rights, including access to their student’s complete education record. The Justice Department nevertheless alleges that the district’s policies and conduct violate federal requirements.