Trump orders removal of gender ideology from public school curricula under threat of federal funds

The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through its Administration for Children and Families (ACF), has directed 46 states and territories to eliminate all references to “gender ideology” from their federally funded Personal Responsibility Education Program (PREP) materials within 60 days or lose federal funding.

The move comes on the heels of ACF’s termination of California’s PREP grant last week after the state refused to comply with similar demands. Federal officials say this action underscores the Trump Administration’s commitment to ensuring taxpayer dollars are not used to promote what they describe as “delusional ideology” in programs meant to teach youth about responsibility and healthy decision-making.

“Accountability is coming,” said Acting Assistant Secretary Andrew Gradison. “Federal funds will not be used to poison the minds of the next generation or advance dangerous ideological agendas. The Trump Administration will ensure that PREP reflects the intent of Congress, not the priorities of the left.”

According to the letter sent to state and territorial agencies, jurisdictions that fail to comply risk having their PREP funding withheld, suspended, or terminated altogether. PREP grants are intended to fund educational initiatives around topics such as teen pregnancy prevention, sexually transmitted infection education, and healthy relationships.

California became the first state to lose its PREP funding after rejecting the mandate to remove gender-related content. Officials say the new round of letters makes clear that the same consequences will apply nationwide.

The 46 states and territories receiving letters include: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Palau, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, and Washington DC.