The U.S. Department of Education announced it will begin withdrawing federal funding from five Northern Virginia school districts after they refused to change policies allowing transgender students to use bathrooms and locker rooms that match their gender identity.
According to federal officials, the policies in Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William counties violate Title IX, the law prohibiting sex-based discrimination in schools. The districts argue their policies comply with both state and federal anti-discrimination laws.
Fairfax County Public Schools, the state’s largest district, could lose up to $160 million in federal support. Loudoun County could lose as much as $47 million, with significant amounts also at stake for Alexandria, Arlington, and Prince William.
The move follows a complaint filed by America First Legal, a conservative advocacy organization, which led the Education Department’s Office for Civil Rights to order the school systems to revise their policies. When the districts refused, the Department initiated the funding withdrawal process and indicated it could refer the matter to the Department of Justice for enforcement.
Despite the potential loss of federal support, local school boards have stated they will not alter their policies. On Wednesday, the Loudoun County School Board voted 6–3 to maintain its current guidelines. Other districts, including Fairfax and Arlington, have issued public statements affirming their commitment to inclusive practices.
In Fairfax, school leaders emphasized that their policies are designed to protect all students. “We will not make changes to our policy at this time,” a Fairfax spokesperson said, adding that the district has asked the Education Department to delay enforcement while legal challenges are considered.
Alexandria, Arlington, and Prince William school officials have issued similar responses, signaling they intend to defend their policies in court if necessary.
The issue highlights a growing national divide over how schools address transgender rights. Supporters of the Education Department’s action argue that schools must comply with Title IX as interpreted by the current administration. Opponents, including LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations, say the funding threat undermines protections for transgender students and puts their well-being at risk.
The case is expected to draw national attention as it proceeds, particularly with large sums of education funding at stake and ongoing debates over the scope of federal civil rights law.
