The Trump administration terminated six civil rights settlements negotiated under previous administrations to protect transgender students' rights, forcing school districts to choose between federal mandates and conflicting state laws. Education Department officials stated there was no precedent for such terminations, which rescinded agreements covering districts in Delaware, Pennsylvania, California, and Washington State. The actions align with President Trump's executive order requiring federal recognition only of a person's sex assigned at birth, escalating a campaign against diversity policies. At least 40 civil rights investigations into educational institutions providing protections for transgender students have been opened, and the administration has sued states over policies allowing transgender athletes in school sports. Delaware Valley School District in Pennsylvania, which had complied with a 2016 agreement for over a decade, voted to overturn its civil rights resolution after receiving a February directive threatening funding cuts. Taft College in California also saw a settlement portion rescinded, requiring staff training on preferred names and pronouns.

Critics argue the terminations jeopardize student safety and well-being, while proponents claim they restore legal consistency and protect student safety.