The Trump administration has withdrawn a $12 million grant from California’s sex education program due to the state’s refusal to remove references to gender identity, transgender, and nonbinary individuals from its curriculum. This decision, announced on Thursday, affects the California Personal Responsibility Education Program (Prep), which serves vulnerable youth aged 10 to 19, including LGBTQ teens, homeless children, and those in foster care.
The federal Administration for Children and Families had previously warned California to comply with its directive to exclude what it termed “radical gender ideology” from the curriculum. California, however, maintained that its materials were medically accurate and necessary for preparing young people for adult relationships. The state argued that the curriculum had already been approved by federal authorities and that the administration’s demands were not in line with the law.
Andrew Gradison, acting assistant secretary at the Administration for Children and Families, stated, “California’s refusal to comply with federal law and remove egregious gender ideology from federally funded sex-ed materials is unacceptable.” The Trump administration has also indicated that other states could face similar actions if they do not align their sex education programs with federal guidelines.
The grant cancellation is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to restrict federal funding for programs that include gender identity education. Critics argue that this move is an inappropriate use of federal authority and could have long-lasting negative effects on young people, particularly LGBTQ+ students who already face higher rates of bullying and harassment.
California’s Department of Public Health has responded by emphasizing the importance of inclusive education in reducing stigma and improving health outcomes for all students. The state plans to challenge the grant cancellation, asserting that the federal government had previously approved the curriculum and that the current administration’s actions overstep its authority.
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