Trump Admin Orders California to Strip Gender Identity from Sex Ed or Lose Funding

The Trump administration has issued a 60-day ultimatum to California’s federally funded sex education program, demanding the removal of all gender identity references or risk losing funding. The Personal Responsibility Education Program (PREP), under scrutiny since March, was reviewed by the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) to ensure its content is medically accurate and age-appropriate.

ACF’s investigation revealed that California’s curriculum includes lessons on transgenderism and non-binary identities, which the agency deems outside the program’s legal scope. For instance, middle school materials introduce students to concepts like gender queer, stating that some people 'feel differently' from their assigned sex at birth. High school lessons delve into social and medical transitioning, labeling gender identity as a 'social status.' Teacher training materials also push terms like cisgender and genderfluid, which ACF flagged as inappropriate.

According to ACF, PREP’s authorizing statute focuses on abstinence, contraception, and preventing sexually transmitted infections like HIV/AIDS—not gender ideology. Acting Assistant Secretary Andrew Gradison emphasized, 'The Trump administration won’t allow federal funds to indoctrinate kids with disturbing gender ideology.' California must now revise its curriculum and resubmit it for approval, or face the loss of federal grants.

This move reflects a broader push for transparency and accountability in education, ensuring parents are aware of what’s taught in classrooms. Failure to comply could reshape how states approach federally funded programs.