The U.S. Department of Education has initiated investigations into two significant incidents involving school districts in Denver, Colorado, and Bethel, Washington. The investigations focus on allegations that a high school teacher in Denver required students of the same sex to kiss during a class activity, while an exhibit at Graham-Kapowsin High School in the Bethel district featured vials of testosterone during Pride Month.
These probes are aimed at determining whether the districts violated federal laws that allow parents the right to opt out of educational evaluations concerning sensitive topics, including sex behavior and attitudes. Frank Miller, the director of the Student Privacy Policy Office at the Education Department, emphasized the importance of parental involvement in such intimate matters.
In response to the allegations, Denver Public Schools (DPS) placed the implicated teacher on administrative leave and conducted an investigation following student complaints in March 2025. The findings led to the teacher’s dismissal by the Board of Education in May. DPS has stressed that the safety, emotional well-being, and dignity of its students are of utmost priority.
Meanwhile, the Bethel School District clarified that the display containing testosterone vials was not sanctioned by school administration. The vials were promptly removed and handed over to the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office. Testosterone is often prescribed for gender-affirming care, and the district has committed to fully cooperating with the Education Department’s investigation.
These incidents occur within broader socio-political contexts, as both districts are located in states governed by Democratic leadership, while the Trump administration has been known for its scrutiny of educational policies accommodating transgender and LGBTQ+ students. Previous investigations have targeted school districts for allowing students to use facilities aligning with their gender identities and for maintaining confidentiality regarding students’ gender identities from their parents.
The Education Department’s announcement of these investigations coincides with National Parents’ Day, and officials have indicated that significant actions regarding parental rights laws will be unveiled throughout the week. Furthermore, the display in Bethel reportedly contained vials with an unknown liquid, prompting investigations to ascertain whether it was indeed testosterone, a controlled substance.
Pierce County Sheriff’s Deputy Carly Cappetto noted that the student responsible for bringing the vials to campus was identified, and the sheriff’s office would proceed with testing the liquid if requested by prosecutors. The situation is being closely monitored as the Bethel district reviews its protocols to ensure that all school materials align with educational standards and community expectations.
The district has reiterated its commitment to maintaining a safe, respectful, and focused learning environment for all students, emphasizing that these values remain central to their mission.
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This article includes contributions from Associated Press writer Collin Binkley in Washington D.C.
