![\"US](\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/thumb\/msid-130729512,imgsize-233764,width-400,height-225,resizemode-4\/us-justice-department.jpg\" "\\"US")
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\nThe U.S. Department of Justice has launched investigations into 36 school districts in Illinois, marking one of its largest efforts to examine K-12 systems under the current administration. According to an official press release, the investigations will examine whether districts included sexual orientation and gender identity content in pre-K through grade 12 classrooms. If such material was used, officials will assess whether parents were informed of their right to opt their children out of those lessons. <\/p>\n The Justice Department said the investigations will review: <\/p>\n Unlike earlier cases referred by the U.S. Department of Education, these investigations were initiated directly by the Justice Department. <\/p>\n Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon said the department is focusing on parental awareness and school policies. \u201cThis Department of Justice is determined to put an end to local school authorities keeping parents in the dark about how sexuality and gender ideology are being pushed in classrooms,\u201d Dhillon said in a statement on April 30. She added that Supreme Court precedent affirms parental authority over children\u2019s education, including decisions on classroom content. <\/p>\n The investigations follow recent rulings by the U.S. Supreme Court, including: <\/p>\n In Mirabelli v. Bonta, the court sided with parents challenging policies that restricted disclosure of students\u2019 gender identity to families. In Mahmoud v. Taylor, the court required school districts to allow parents to opt children out of lessons involving LGBTQ+ content, particularly for younger students. <\/p>\n The list of 36 districts under investigation does not include Chicago Public Schools. Chicago Public Schools had previously been investigated by the Education Department\u2019s Office for Civil Rights under Title VI over a programme addressing outcomes for Black students. Separate Title IX investigations were also launched into the Illinois State Board of Education, Chicago Public Schools and Deerfield Public Schools regarding access for transgender students to girls\u2019 facilities. <\/p>\nScope of the inquiry<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
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