Trump Admin. Orders California to Remove Gender Identity From Sex Ed Curriculum – Education Week

Report on California’s Sex Education Curriculum Controversy and Its Implications for Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has issued a directive to California, requiring the removal of all references to gender identity from its federally funded sex education curriculum within two months. Failure to comply may result in the loss of over $12.3 million in federal grants. This action highlights ongoing tensions between federal agencies and states with differing social policy views under the Trump administration.

Details of the Directive

1. California’s Personal Responsibility Education Program (PREP), administered by the state’s Department of Public Health, includes gender identity content in its sex education curriculum.
2. HHS officials stated that references to gender identity are “unacceptable” and outside the core purpose of the federally funded program.
3. Non-compliance could lead to the withholding of more than $12.3 million in federal grants.
4. The PREP program serves approximately 13,000 adolescents annually in juvenile justice facilities, homeless shelters, foster care group homes, and some schools.

Federal Government’s Position and Rationale

• The Administration for Children and Families emphasized the removal of gender identity references as part of efforts to eliminate “ideological agendas” from federally funded programs.
• Acting Assistant Secretary Andrew Gradison stated the administration’s intolerance for federal funds being used to “indoctrinate” children.
• California’s Department of Public Health maintains that its curricula are medically accurate, comprehensive, age-appropriate, and federally pre-approved.

Context: Broader Federal Pressure on California and Other States

Federal Enforcement of Social Policy Agendas

This directive forms part of a broader strategy by the Trump administration to enforce its social policy agenda by leveraging federal funding to influence state policies, particularly in Democratic-led states.

• Multiple federal agencies, including the Department of Education, have initiated investigations and actions related to transgender student policies and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs.
• Similar tactics have been employed in other states, such as Maine, and against higher education institutions like Columbia and Harvard.
• While Congress has reinforced state control over curriculum and academic standards, programs like California’s PREP operate outside these protections, making them vulnerable to federal intervention.

Implications for Education and Public Health

Experts express concern that federal actions could extend their influence over school systems nationwide, potentially impacting educational inclusivity and health outcomes.

Impact on Transgender Students and Educational Equity

Federal Policies Targeting Gender Identity in Education

1. President Trump’s administration has issued executive orders defining biological sex strictly as “male” or “female.”
2. Federal agencies have been directed to reduce funding to schools perceived to “indoctrinate” students on gender ideology.
3. Policies have been enacted to bar transgender athletes from competing on girls’ and women’s sports teams.

Challenges Faced by Transgender Youth

• Approximately 3% of high school students identify as transgender, with an additional 2% questioning their gender identity.
• These students experience elevated rates of bullying and depression.
• Schools play a critical role in supporting mental health and fostering inclusive environments for transgender and questioning youth.

Emphasis on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Relevant SDGs Addressed by the Issue

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – Ensuring inclusive, comprehensive sex education supports adolescent health, mental well-being, and reduces stigma.
• SDG 4: Quality Education – Promoting inclusive education that respects gender diversity aligns with equitable learning opportunities for all students.
• SDG 5: Gender Equality – Recognizing and respecting gender identity in education contributes to reducing discrimination and promoting gender equality.
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – Addressing the needs of marginalized groups, including transgender youth, helps reduce inequalities within educational systems.

Potential Consequences of Federal Actions on SDGs

1. Removing gender identity references from curricula may undermine efforts to provide inclusive education and support mental health, conflicting with SDG targets.
2. Loss of federal funding could limit resources for programs serving vulnerable youth populations, impacting health and education outcomes.
3. Federal pressure may discourage states from adopting policies that promote diversity and inclusion, hindering progress toward achieving SDGs.

Conclusion

The federal directive to California to exclude gender identity from sex education curricula exemplifies the intersection of social policy and education funding within the framework of Sustainable Development Goals. Ensuring inclusive, comprehensive education that respects gender diversity is essential for advancing health, equality, and reduced inequalities among youth. The ongoing federal-state tensions highlight the challenges in aligning national policies with global commitments to sustainable development and human rights.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected to the Issues Highlighted in the Article

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The article discusses sex education programs aimed at adolescents, addressing sexual health and mental health concerns such as bullying and depression among transgender and questioning youth.
2. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • The focus on sex education curricula, federal funding for educational programs, and policies affecting transgender students relate directly to inclusive and equitable quality education.
3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • The article highlights discrimination and policy actions impacting transgender students, which relates to reducing inequalities and promoting social inclusion.
4. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • Issues of governance, federal-state relations, and enforcement of regulations such as Title IX are discussed, touching on institutional frameworks and justice.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified Based on the Article’s Content

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment, and promote mental health and well-being.
   • Target 3.7: Ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health-care services, including family planning, information and education.
2. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • Target 4.5: Eliminate gender disparities in education and ensure equal access to all levels of education and vocational training for vulnerable populations, including persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples, and children in vulnerable situations.
   • Target 4.7: Ensure that all learners acquire knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including through education for human rights, gender equality, and promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence.
3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Target 10.3: Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies, and practices.
4. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels.
   • Target 16.b: Promote and enforce non-discriminatory laws and policies for sustainable development.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article to Measure Progress Towards the Identified Targets

1. Indicators Related to SDG 3 (Health and Well-being)
   • Prevalence of bullying and symptoms of depression among transgender and questioning youth (implied mental health indicators).
   • Access to medically accurate and comprehensive sex education programs (coverage indicator of education programs).
2. Indicators Related to SDG 4 (Quality Education)
   • Number of adolescents reached by federally funded sex education programs (e.g., 13,000 youth per year through 20 agencies).
   • Compliance with federal regulations on education curricula (e.g., federal pre-approval of curricula).
   • Incidence of discrimination or exclusion of transgender students in schools (implied through policy enforcement and investigations).
3. Indicators Related to SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities)
   • Existence and enforcement of policies protecting transgender students from discrimination (implied through Title IX compliance and federal investigations).
   • Rates of bullying and mental health outcomes among marginalized groups.
4. Indicators Related to SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions)
   • Number of investigations and enforcement actions related to discrimination in education.
   • Federal funding compliance rates and consequences for non-compliance (e.g., withholding $12.3 million in grants).

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: edweek.org