Groups file complaint against Milwaukee schools over parental rights violations

The Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty (WILL) and Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF), both nonprofit public interest law firms and policy organizations, have filed a joint complaint against the Milwaukee Public School District (MPS). The complaint alleges that the district's policy of concealing student gender transitions from parents violates federal laws, specifically the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA).

Parents Defending Education (PDE), a national grassroots membership organization focused on parental rights in education, is involved in the complaint. The organizations claim MPS's policy directly contravenes FERPA and PPRA by keeping parents uninformed about their child's gender transition at school. The policy is available on MPS's website and cited in the complaint documents.

The complaint refers to an executive order from January 29 by former President Trump. This order, titled "Ending Radical Indoctrination in K-12 Schooling," instructed the Department to prioritize enforcement of parental rights, particularly concerning FERPA and PPRA. WILL and ADF have urged the Department to investigate MPS's policy violations, suggesting a revocation of federal funding if the district does not amend its practices. Furthermore, they recommend MPS be required to inform parents about any secret gender support plans maintained without their knowledge.