California School Districts Investigated Over Student Surveys

The U.S. Department of Education is investigating three California school districts over student surveys that allegedly asked sensitive personal questions without parental consent. North Monterey County, Palo Alto, and San Francisco Unified are under investigation over activities used in Ethnic Studies classes. Reports say students were asked to complete exercises called “Wheel of Power/Privilege” and “Mapping My Identities.” The activities reportedly asked students about their sexual orientation, gender identity, family income, and race, before having them assess their level of privilege. Under federal law, schools may be required to notify parents and obtain written consent before surveying students about certain protected topics. Some parents also allege they were prevented from fully reviewing the Ethnic Studies curriculum, even after requesting access. The investigation will examine whether the districts violated federal requirements governing student surveys and parental rights. Officials have not yet publicly detailed what consequences, if any, the districts could face if violations are found.