The U.S. Department of Education launched a probe into Burlington Public Schools in Massachusetts on August 25 after students received a survey with questions about gender identity and sex assigned at birth. The survey also included other sensitive topics such as drug and alcohol use and sexual encounters.
“Parents must be the primary decision-makers in their children’s education. The allegations that Burlington violated parents’ rights by administering a survey against parents’ wishes – and particularly one that is graphic, and downright inappropriate in nature – is unconscionable,” stated U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon.
The survey defined terms for students, describing “cisgender” as matching the sex assigned at birth, “transgender” as identifying differently, and “nonbinary” or “genderqueer” as identities outside male and female roles. It also noted that many people use “they/them” pronouns.
One question asked students to select the identity that best fit them. Options included cisgender girl or woman, “transgender” boy or man, nonbinary, or genderqueer. Students could also choose “I am not sure” or “I prefer not to answer.”
Another question asked students to provide the sex listed on their original birth certificate. Options were male or female. Students could skip the question or select “I do not know what this question means.”
The survey drew widespread criticism online after Libs of TikTok posted details on X. The account demanded action, writing, “DEFUND THESE GROOMERS IMMEDIATELY.”
The investigation stems from complaints about the survey’s content. Federal officials are reviewing the district’s compliance.
In California, Temecula Valley Unified School District faced similar backlash. Libs of TikTok claimed the district requires girls seeking private restroom accommodations to file a mental health form stating they have a condition. The account labeled the policy “UNREAL.” It added, “The boys pretending to be girls and invading girls’ spaces are fine, but the girls who don’t want boys in their bathrooms are the problem. INSANE.”
UNREAL. Temecula Valley Unified School District (@TVUSD) is reportedly forcing young girls to fill out a “mental health accommodation” form to declare they have a mental health issue if they don’t want boys invading the girls’ restrooms at school.
The boys pretending to be girls… pic.twitter.com/s0LAUKCX6Y
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) August 25, 2025
The post prompted multiple replies. Author Emilia @Emilia__writes wrote, “Need to stop this madness,” while another user said, “Defund Massachusetts and all states led by Democrats.”
The debate over “transgender” policies in schools has grown nationwide. As previously reported by The Dallas Express, several Virginia students were disciplined after questioning a “transgender” peer in a locker room, sparking controversy and parental backlash.