Montgomery County Public Schools is among several Maryland education agencies and school systems being investigated by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights over allegations involving Title IX compliance.
The federal agency announced Tuesday that it has opened investigations into the Maryland State Department of Education, Montgomery County Public Schools, Prince George’s County Public Schools and Frederick County Public Schools. According to the Department of Education, the investigations will examine whether policies allowing transgender students to participate on sports teams and access facilities consistent with their gender identity violate Title IX, the federal law that prohibits sex-based discrimination in federally funded education programs.
The investigations stem from a complaint alleging that Maryland’s statewide guidance and district policies require schools to allow students to participate in athletics and use facilities based on gender identity. The Office for Civil Rights said it will review the allegations and determine whether the agencies and school systems are in compliance with federal law. Violations of Title IX can result in the loss of federal funding.
In response to an email from The Moco Show, MCPS spokesperson Liliana López said the school system received notice that the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights plans to open an investigation regarding several Title IX issues.
“Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) has received notice today that the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights plans to open an investigation regarding several Title IX issues. We will review the official notice from the federal agency, and we will respond accordingly,” López said.
She added that MCPS “remains committed to providing safe, welcoming and inclusive learning environments for all students and to complying with applicable federal and Maryland laws and regulations.” López said the school system would have no further comment while the matter is under review by the Office for Civil Rights.
