![\"Hallways](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/KCM_JT7_0737.JPG\" "\\"Hallways")
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Hallways with new lockers in Santa Fe Trail Middle School on Friday, February 6, 2026, in Olathe.<\/p>\n
Dominick Williams<\/p>\n
dowilliams@kcstar.com<\/p>\n
Olathe Public Schools recently spoke out against a U.S. Department of Education investigation that alleges several Kansas City area school districts violated federal law<\/a> with policies about gender identity.<\/p>\n The investigation claims that the Olathe, Shawnee Mission, Kansas City, Kansas, and Topeka school districts have policies that violate Title IX and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).<\/p>\n The federal education department\u2019s Student Privacy Policy Office (SPPO) and Office for Civil Rights (OCR) began investigating the school districts last fall after the Defense of Freedom Institute filed a complaint, alleging violations.<\/p>\n An eight-month investigation concluded that district policies might prevent schools from notifying parents about children\u2019s gender transition, including whether they are using different pronouns, going by different names, or having different names printed on their diplomas.<\/p>\n District policies may also allow students to participate in sports and use restrooms based on their gender identity, according to the Office for Civil Rights.<\/p>\n Kimberly Richey, assistant secretary for civil rights at the Department of Education, said in a statement that the districts cited in the investigation \u201callowed gender ideology to run amok in their schools.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThese policies not only violate federal law, but are contrary to the sound judgment we expect from our educational leaders, and thoroughly disrespectful to parents who entrust school personnel to keep their children safe,\u201d Richey said in a statement.<\/p>\n But while the department claims violations of federal law, a spokesperson for Olathe Public Schools said the districts cited in the investigation have been \u201cthrust into the midst of political theater.\u201d<\/p>\n Becky Grubaugh, the district\u2019s communications director, called the allegations \u201ccompletely unfounded,\u201d and \u201cgrossly misrepresented.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDiscussions with these organizations did not occur in good faith, and there was a complete lack of any meaningful investigation,\u201d Grubaugh said. \u201cThe result was findings not supported by information, but by incorrect and predetermined decisions.\u201d<\/p>\n The department said its findings for potential FERPA violations were based on a \u201clack of substantive documentation submitted by the districts.\u201d<\/p>\n The investigation determined the KCK and Topeka districts violated Title IX with policies that allow students to use restrooms, locker rooms and changing rooms, and participate in single-sex athletics based on their \u201cgender ideology.\u201d<\/p>\n The department also alleged that KCK schools denied the Office of Civil Rights access to information during its investigation.<\/p>\n Olathe Public Schools and Shawnee Mission Public Schools are alleged to have allowed students to use restrooms, locker rooms, and changing rooms based on gender identity, the release said.<\/p>\n Shawnee Mission\u2019s sports participation policies also \u201craise significant compliance concerns,\u201d the news release said, but did not explain those concerns.<\/p>\n Olathe Schools denied having or implementing policies which violate federal or state laws. The district said in a statement that the department of education\u2019s latest press release includes \u201cseveral inaccuracies.\u201d<\/p>\n The district does not have a policy allowing students to use restrooms, locker rooms and changing rooms based on gender identity, Grubaugh said.<\/p>\n \u201cOlathe has been in compliance \u2014 and will continue to comply with \u2014 all state and federal laws, while also continuing to safeguard the rights of all students and parents\/guardians,\u201d Grubaugh said in a statement.<\/p>\n Education department threatens funding cuts<\/p>\n In a statement this week, the department detailed actions districts must take to remedy alleged violations.<\/p>\n If the districts fail to reach an agreement, they could lose funding through administrative or judicial action, the department said.<\/p>\n The department demanded that:<\/p>\n The districts will no longer allow students to participate in athletics based on \u201cgender identity,\u201d rather basing participation on the student\u2019s sexThe districts will ensure that the use of bathrooms, locker rooms, changing rooms, and overnight accommodations is based on sex, not \u201cgender identity\u201dThe districts will inform school personnel that \u201cgender support plans\u201d and other related documents having to do with a student\u2019s so-called \u2018gender transition\u2019 will be made readily available and accessible to parents and guardians.<\/p>\n In response to the department\u2019s demands Friday, Olathe Schools sent a letter to the Office of Civil Rights and Student Privacy Police Office, arguing the district was already in compliance with its terms.<\/p>\n \u201cThe three issues were not new to Olathe as the District was already in compliance with the law at the time of your 2025 letter,\u201d the letter read in part. \u201cOlathe has confirmed that its staff were, and continue to be, in compliance with the law as they work with our students and families.\u201d<\/p>\n Related Stories from Kansas City Star<\/p>\n![\"Ridgeview](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/KCM_JT7_0947.JPG\" "\\"KCM_JT7_0947.JPG\\"")
Ridgeview Elementary School on Friday, Feb. 6, 2026, in Olathe. Dominick Williams dowilliams@kcstar.com Olathe, KCK, Shawnee Mission, Topeka schools investigated<\/p>\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/KCM_JT7_0819.JPG\" "\\"KCM_JT7_0819.JPG\\"")
The gym in Santa Fe Trail Middle School on Friday, February 6, 2026, in Olathe. Dominick Williams dowilliams@kcstar.com <\/p>\n