US Education Department launches Title IX probe into Wisconsin school district over restroom policy

The U.S. Department of Education has launched a federal civil rights investigation into a school district in New Richmond, Wisconsin following complaints that biological males were allowed to use girls’ restrooms in district schools.

According to an official statement, the investigation has been initiated by the department’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR), which will examine whether the New Richmond School District violated Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 by permitting students to access restrooms and other intimate facilities based on gender identity rather than biological sex.

Complaints raised at school board meetings

The federal investigation was initiated after complaints filed during the school board meetings, which were conducted in January 2026. In these meetings, some of the parents expressed their concerns about the fact that boys were using the girls’ restroom. However, the parents’ concerns about the safety issues and the policies in this regard were not addressed.

In the next meeting, a female student expressed her concerns about the issue in front of the audience and explained how she felt scared and embarrassed due to the presence of boys in the girls’ restroom. She further explained that she had stopped using the restroom in the daytime.

In February 2026, a school board member introduced a proposal aimed at ensuring bathrooms and locker rooms in the district remain separated on the basis of biological sex. The measure failed to pass, receiving support from only two of the seven members of the school board.

Federal civil rights investigation begins

The investigation was formally announced by Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Kimberly Richey, who said the federal government would review the district’s policies and determine whether they comply with Title IX protections.

Richey stated that the administration intends to enforce federal law to ensure that girls’ safety, dignity, and privacy are protected in school facilities. She also said the Office for Civil Rights would conduct a full review of the allegations and take action if violations are identified.

What Title IX covers

Title IX is a federal civil rights law that states, "No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance." Title IX applies to all public schools, colleges, and universities that receive federal funds.

Through its Office for Civil Rights, the U.S. Department of Education investigates complaints alleging violations of Title IX and other federal civil rights laws in educational institutions. If violations are confirmed, schools may be required to change policies or take corrective actions to remain in compliance with federal regulations.

The investigation into the New Richmond School District will focus on whether the district’s policies regarding restroom access are consistent with Title IX requirements. Federal officials said the review will determine whether further enforcement actions are necessary.
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