# Education Department Enforces Student Privacy Laws

The U.S. Department of Education and Department of Justice have intensified enforcement actions against school districts regarding compliance with federal student privacy laws FERPA and PPRA, particularly focusing on policies related to transgender student rights and parental notification. This includes investigations, complaints, and a lawsuit against the Kansas City, Kansas school district, signaling increased federal scrutiny and potential regulatory updates that will affect school districts receiving federal funds.

- Procurement professionals supporting educational institutions should anticipate stricter compliance requirements tied to federal student privacy statutes, impacting contract terms and service delivery.
- Vendors providing educational technology, data management, or legal compliance services may find increased demand for solutions that ensure adherence to FERPA and PPRA regulations.
- Organizations involved in school district contracts should evaluate current policies and systems for parental notification and student data privacy to mitigate risk of federal enforcement actions.
- This enforcement trend indicates a growing federal focus on privacy compliance as a condition for funding, which may influence future procurement solicitations and contract compliance clauses.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Education
**Topics:** Regulatory Compliance
**Published:** September 17, 2026

### Government Entities
- U.S. Department of Education (ED)
- U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ)
- California Attorney General's Office

### Key Quotes
> The goal in these scenarios is, ultimately, voluntary resolution. It’s to get everyone to the table and to make sure that you can find ways to get these recipients of federal funds into federal compliance with statutory obligations.
> — Sarah Parshall Perry, Vice President, Defending Education

> The department will not tolerate school districts playing fast and loose with federal law in the service of radical gender ideology.
> — Harmeet K. Dillon, Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights

### Sources
- [Trump Admin. Turns to Student Privacy Laws in Gender Identity Fights With Schools](https://www.edweek.org/policy-politics/trump-admin-turns-to-student-privacy-laws-in-gender-identity-fights-with-schools/2026/09) - edweek.org