On July 29, 2026, Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon issued a letter demanding that Anne Arundel County Public Schools in Maryland cease its policy of withholding information about student gender transitions from parents. The Justice Department (DOJ) warned the district it could face litigation and the potential loss of federal funding if it does not reverse the policy within seven days.

Dhillon's letter criticized the district for "categorically withholding ‘(i)nformation about a student’s gender identity’ from parents except where ‘legally required,’" describing it as a "blanket, district-wide practice of nondisclosure untethered to FERPA’s enumerated exceptions." She added that parents were denied access to their child’s full educational records, that information was disclosed without parental consent, and that parents were denied a hearing to correct the record.

The demand is part of the Trump administration's ongoing effort to challenge school policies that allow students to socially transition without parental knowledge. The administration argues that the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) grants parents the legal right to access their children’s educational records, including information related to changes in gender identity.

Prior to Dhillon's letter, the DOJ and the Department of Education announced a partnership to address transgender nondisclosure policies in both Anne Arundel County and Ann Arbor Public Schools in Michigan. They indicated that federal funds could be withheld from districts that fail to comply.

Dhillon emphasized, "FERPA is not optional, and any districts that attempt to bypass or distort its requirements should expect immediate federal action. In partnership with the Department of Education, the Department of Justice will initiate enforcement proceedings with districts that fail to comply."

The agencies also cited complaints from parents alleging that the Anne Arundel County district "was secretly helping their daughter pretend to be male at school," raising concerns about the physical, emotional, or mental health safety of students.

Dhillon concluded with a clear warning on social media: "Comply with the law or face us in court."

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