Overview
- The Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights opened investigations on June 24, 2026 into the Maryland State Department of Education and the Montgomery, Prince George’s and Frederick County school districts.
- Federal officials say a complaint alleges Maryland guidance and district policies require schools to allow boys to compete on girls’ teams and to use girls‑only locker rooms, restrooms and overnight accommodations.
- Maryland’s education agency and the three districts confirmed receipt of OCR’s notice and said they will review the complaint and cooperate with the fact‑finding process.
- Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Kimberly Richey said allowing access solely on self‑asserted gender identity raises legal concerns and OCR reviews could lead to corrective steps or threats to federal funding if violations are found.
- The probes are part of a wider enforcement push by the administration that has included Justice Department lawsuits and other OCR investigations and warning letters, which could prompt changes in local school rules and affect students’ daily access to teams and facilities.