Trump administration probes Minnesota over 'transgender dolls' in schools, but state disputes story

The Trump administration is threatening to strip federal funding from the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) as part of a federal investigation into reports that "transgender dolls" are being introduced in classrooms, although the state claims it has no involvement and no such program is happening.A Department of Education (ED) official told Fox News Digital that the probe was opened by the agency's Student Privacy Policy Office following a privacy complaint filed by the advocacy group Defending Education. The complaint alleged that Minnesota parents were not notified — nor given the opportunity to opt their children out — of classroom activities involving "MyGender Dolls."If the federal probe finds that state officials violated the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA) or infringed upon parental rights, the state risks losing key federal education dollars.TRUMP ADMIN TARGETS WOKE SCHOOLS ACCUSED OF HIDING STUDENTS' GENDER TRANSITIONS FROM PARENTSThe Minnesota Department of Education said, however, it "has no involvement" with the program and pointed to the University of Minnesota housing a study on the dolls."This is a University of Minnesota study/program.
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The Trump administration is threatening to strip federal funding from the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) as part of a federal investigation into reports that "transgender dolls" are being introduced in classrooms, although the state claims it has no involvement and no such program is happening.A Department of Education (ED) official told Fox News Digital that the probe was opened by the agency's Student Privacy Policy Office following a privacy complaint filed by the advocacy group Defending Education. The complaint alleged that Minnesota parents were not notified — nor given the opportunity to opt their children out — of classroom activities involving "MyGender Dolls."If the federal probe finds that state officials violated the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA) or infringed upon parental rights, the state risks losing key federal education dollars.TRUMP ADMIN TARGETS WOKE SCHOOLS ACCUSED OF HIDING STUDENTS' GENDER TRANSITIONS FROM PARENTSThe Minnesota Department of Education said, however, it "has no involvement" with the program and pointed to the University of Minnesota housing a study on the dolls."This is a University of Minnesota study/program. The Minnesota Department of Education has no involvement with this," a spokesperson told Fox News Digital.Developed through a program housed at the University of Minnesota, "MyGender Dolls" feature paper characters with removable and interchangeable internal and external genitalia, clothing, and accessories designed for children as young as 4 years old."If we are able to determine that the Minnesota Department of Education has violated federal parental rights laws, this could include referral to the Department of Justice, and violation of those laws could result in the termination of the Minnesota Department of Education's federal funding," ED spokesperson Amelia Joy told Fox News Digital.In response to the backlash, researchers behind the project stated that the dolls are intended as "a therapeutic tool for use by licensed professionals" and said the dolls will not be distributed in public school classrooms this fall.TRUMP ADMIN PAUSING OVER $1B IN MEDICAID PAYMENTS TO MINNESOTA, CALIFORNIA OVER FRAUD, COMPLIANCE CONCERNSJoy said that the dolls were "shocking.""I'd like to take a moment to point out the fact that these dolls, in this case in Minnesota, the MyGender Dolls, were advertised for use in classrooms with students as young as four years old," Joy said. "They were actually developed through a taxpayer-funded program at the University of Minnesota.
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- The Trump administration is threatening to strip federal funding from the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) as part of a federal investigation into reports that "transgender dolls" are being introduced in classrooms, although the state claims it has no involvement and no such program is happening.A Department of Education (ED) official told Fox News Digital that the probe was opened by the agency's Student Privacy Policy Office following a privacy complaint filed by the advocacy group Defending Education. The complaint alleged that Minnesota parents were not notified — nor given the opportunity to opt their children out — of classroom activities involving "MyGender Dolls."If the federal probe finds that state officials violated the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA) or infringed upon parental rights, the state risks losing key federal education dollars.TRUMP ADMIN TARGETS WOKE SCHOOLS ACCUSED OF HIDING STUDENTS' GENDER TRANSITIONS FROM PARENTSThe Minnesota Department of Education said, however, it "has no involvement" with the program and pointed to the University of Minnesota housing a study on the dolls."This is a University of Minnesota study/program.
- How widely is it covered?
- 1 outlet, average source rating 6.0/10.
- When was it last updated?
- 1d ago.
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Trump administration probes Minnesota over 'transgender dolls' in schools, but state disputes story
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