The Trump administration has ordered California to remove gender identity materials from its sex education curriculum within 60 days or risk losing over $12.3 million in federal grants. This directive is part of an ongoing clash between California and the federal government over LGBTQ+ issues. The Trump administration’s stance stems from a January executive order recognizing only two sexes, male and female, which has influenced policies across various departments.
The Administration for Children and Families at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is applying pressure by threatening to withhold federal funding. The funds in question support the California Personal Responsibility Education Program (CA PREP), which provides comprehensive sexual health education to adolescents in various settings, including juvenile justice facilities and homeless shelters. The Trump administration argues that the inclusion of gender identity content is “outside the scope” of the grant’s purpose, which focuses on abstinence and contraception education.
Acting Assistant Secretary Andrew Gradison stated, “The Trump Administration will not tolerate the use of federal funds for programs that indoctrinate our children.” However, the California Department of Public Health defends the materials as “medically accurate, comprehensive, and age-appropriate,” and notes that the curricula were federally pre-approved.
The state has not yet indicated how it will respond to the federal demand, but California law mandates comprehensive sexual health education, including information about HIV prevention, at least once in middle and high school. The Trump administration’s decision to assert authority over federal grants, including those already in progress, is being challenged in court. The outcome of this dispute could have significant implications for the future of sex education in California and beyond.
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