The U.S. Department of Education is directing schools to comply with parental rights laws amid a series of federal investigations targeting California and Maine over their transgender policies. California continues to stand firm on laws protecting trans student privacy, despite threats from the Trump administration to cut funding. Simultaneously, the Trump administration has launched inquiries into both states, alleging violations of parental notification rights and possible FERPA breaches. As investigations unfold, state officials, including Governor Gavin Newsom, face increasing pressure while the political landscape around transgender rights and parental involvement in education remains contentious.