Education Department Curtails Civil Rights Policies, Targets Trans Student Protections

Under President Trump’s second term, the Department of Education drastically reduced the scope of civil rights enforcement, rolling back Obama- and Biden-era protections for minority and LGBTQ students. The Office for Civil Rights, once proactive about issues like racially disparate discipline or transgender accommodations, has shed staff and closed multiple regional offices. Department memos instruct investigators to prioritize “reverse discrimination” claims, effectively sidelining complaints from students of color or LGBTQ youth. Trans-inclusive restroom and sports policies are being flagged for alleged discrimination against non-trans students, reversing prior federal stances. Critics see the shift as an attempt to marginalize vulnerable groups, with some staff forced out or reassigned for objecting. Supporters argue schools should decide discipline or gender policies locally, absent “heavy-handed federal intrusion.” Rights groups warn that historically proven biases will resurface without robust oversight, placing minority and trans students at risk.