The US Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) has opened a directed investigation into the New Richmond School District in New Richmond, Wisconsin following reports that biological males were permitted to use female restrooms.Officials said the inquiry will examine whether the district’s policies breach Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 by allowing students access to intimate facilities on the basis of gender identity rather than biological sex.Investigation initiated following reports raised by parentsAccording to the department, concerns about restroom access were raised during a January 2026 meeting of the New Richmond School Board. Several parents told board members they believed male students had been allowed to use girls’ restrooms within the district’s schools.Parents questioned administrators about the safety of female pupils and asked for clarification about the district’s policy. Reports indicate that administrators declined to give detailed answers or assurances during the meeting.The Office for Civil Rights said the investigation would review whether the district’s approach to restroom access aligns with federal obligations under Title IX, the law prohibiting sex-based discrimination in educational programmes receiving federal funding.Student testimony highlights concerns raised during board meetingsAt a subsequent school board meeting, one student described the effect the situation had on her at school. She told board members she experienced fear, embarrassment and anxiety after encountering boys in the girls’ restroom.According to the testimony recorded during the meeting, the student said she had stopped using school restrooms altogether due to the situation.The department stated that such accounts would form part of the evidence examined during the investigation as officials determine whether any federal protections were violated.Policy proposal on biological sex separation rejectedIn February 2026, a member of the New Richmond School Board introduced a policy proposal intended to ensure that bathrooms and locker rooms were separated according to biological sex.During the vote, only two of the seven board members supported the measure, leaving the proposal without sufficient backing to be adopted by the district.Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Kimberly Richey said the administration would enforce Title IX protections in educational institutions.“The Trump Administration will always stand up for students and enforce Title IX to ensure that women and girls are safe when they are at school,” Richey said. “Young women should never be forced to share intimate spaces with boys and men because school leaders care more about radical gender ideology than protecting girls’ safety, dignity and privacy.”Richey added that the administration would investigate the complaint fully and address any violations identified during the review.
