Introduction to the Trump Administration’s Threat
The Trump administration is threatening to withhold millions of dollars from Illinois unless teaching materials that recognize gender non-conformity are changed or eliminated. Illinois is one of 46 states and territories that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has put “on notice” to “remove gender ideology content from sex ed materials” used in its Personal Responsibility Education Program, or IPREP as it’s shortened in Illinois.
The Personal Responsibility Education Program (IPREP)
The program, created by federal statute, targets teens in low-income or otherwise disadvantaged areas with education about abstinence, contraception, pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections, and more. It also focuses on adulthood preparation in areas like life skills and financial literacy. It requires that any school-based curriculum be taught in facilities that are at least 40% African American or Latino. It also offers material for incarcerated youth. In all, the federal government says the program serves roughly 10,000 teens in seven Illinois counties — including Cook and Lake.
Objections to the Curriculum
Federal authorities told Illinois through a letter that they take issue with some of the subject matter. “The statute neither requires, supports nor authorizes teaching students that gender identity is distinct from biological sex or that boys can identify as girls and vice versa,” the letter reads. The department provided a couple of examples it considers objectionable. In an eight-part curriculum called “Making Proud Choices!,” the author suggests how to make students feel more welcome. “The simple act of requesting pronouns sends the message that transgender and gender nonconforming youth are welcome and respected in the group,” the text reads before defining the terms gender, gender identity, and gender expression.
Response from the Trump Administration
In another example, the same material explains that respecting diversity should include students with gender identities that don’t match their biological sex. “Some may identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual or straight. Some may identify as male, female or transgender,” it says. But Trump’s administration says such descriptions are not allowed under federal law. “[G]ender ideology is outside the scope of the authorizing statute and any expenditures associated with gender ideology are not allowable, reasonable, or allocable to the PREP grant,” the department said in response to the material.
Potential Funding Consequences
HHS said in a spreadsheet attached to its letter that $4.2 million in so far unallocated money could be at risk. The Illinois Department of Human Services oversees IPREP. A spokesperson said the state agency is reviewing the letter and assessing the best path forward. “The Trump administration’s request to remove mention of gender-nonconforming and transgender youth is yet another cruel attack on this population by denying their existence,” the spokesperson said. “IDHS continues to expect its providers to treat everyone with decency and fairness, recognizing and embracing their differences and meeting them where they’re at.”
Conclusion
The Trump administration’s threat to withhold funding from Illinois over the inclusion of "gender ideology" content in sex education curricula has sparked controversy and concern. The move has been characterized as a "cruel attack" on transgender youth, and it remains to be seen how the state will respond to the federal government’s demands. As the situation continues to unfold, it is clear that the issue of gender identity and expression in education will remain a contentious and highly debated topic.
FAQs
- What is the Personal Responsibility Education Program (IPREP)?
The Personal Responsibility Education Program (IPREP) is a federal program that provides education to teens in low-income or disadvantaged areas about abstinence, contraception, pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections, and more. - Why is the Trump administration threatening to withhold funding from Illinois?
The Trump administration is threatening to withhold funding from Illinois because it objects to the inclusion of "gender ideology" content in the state’s sex education curricula, which it claims is not allowed under federal law. - How much funding is at risk?
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, $4.2 million in unallocated money could be at risk. - How has the state of Illinois responded to the Trump administration’s demands?
The Illinois Department of Human Services is reviewing the letter and assessing the best path forward, and a spokesperson has characterized the Trump administration’s request as a "cruel attack" on transgender youth. - What is the potential impact of the Trump administration’s actions on transgender youth?
The Trump administration’s actions have been criticized as a "cruel attack" on transgender youth, and could potentially lead to the erasure of gender-nonconforming and transgender individuals from education materials.
