Portland, OR – The Trump administration has issued a firm warning to Oregon and Washington, threatening to revoke significant federal education funding based on their sexual education curricula that include gender ideology teachings. This development places the future of the Personal Responsibility Education Program (PREP) grants in jeopardy for both states.
The Administration for Children and Families (ACF), part of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), sent letters to dozens of states, including Oregon and Washington, demanding the removal of any gender identity content from PREP-funded sexual education programs to retain federal support.
Federal Government’s Position on PREP Curriculum and Gender Ideology
In a letter addressed to Oregon Health Authority CFO Nadia Davidson, Acting Assistant Secretary Andrew Gradison explained that a review of Oregon’s PREP materials found content that falls outside the statute’s scope, particularly relating to gender ideology. Gradison clarified that the PREP statute, approved by Congress, mandates education on abstinence, contraception, and sexually transmitted infections but does not include gender identity teachings.
“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; thus gender identity 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,” wrote Gradison.
The letter further criticized the Biden administration’s previous approval of PREP grants covering gender ideology teachings as an overstep of authority. It demands Oregon remove all related content within 60 days and submit the revised materials for approval.
Reactions from Oregon and Washington Authorities
The Oregon Health Authority responded cautiously, stating they are assessing federal changes to understand potential impacts on the state’s residents. They emphasized a continued commitment to ensuring physical, mental, and social well-being for all communities in Oregon.
Meanwhile, the Washington State Department of Health noted its ongoing review of the ACF letter and deliberation on the appropriate response. The department highlighted the significance of the PREP program in Washington, which annually equips thousands of young people with science-based sexual health education aimed at preventing teen pregnancy, reducing sexually transmitted infections, and fostering healthy relationships.
- Washington’s PREP programs train educators to use culturally relevant, age-appropriate materials guiding youths aged 11–21.
- The PREP award for Washington in FY25-27 amounts to $1,113,000, supplemented by a prior award for FY24-26 totaling $1,138,000.
- State departments are collaborating with the Governor’s Office and Attorney General’s Office to monitor ongoing developments.
Wider Impact and Expert Opinions on the Grant Suspension Threats
The Department of Health and Human Services has sent similar letters to 40 states and 6 U.S. territories, demanding removal of gender ideology from PREP programming. In a recent action, the ACF terminated California’s PREP grant after non-compliance.
“Accountability is coming,” stated Gradison. “Federal funds will not be used to poison the minds of the next generation or advance dangerous ideological agendas. The Trump Administration will ensure that PREP reflects the intent of Congress, not the priorities of the left.”
The controversy has sparked concern among LGBTQ+ advocates. Debra Porta, Executive Director of Pride Northwest, described the removal of gender teachings as both harmful and unnecessary.
“Omitting the teachings that the administration is demanding, is a misguided and harmful attempt to erase the existence of queer people. That won’t happen,” Porta said. “…These changes will harm our young people and make it more difficult for them to identify and build healthy relationships of all kinds.”
What This Means for the Future of Sexual Education Funding
The Trump administration’s strict stance signals potential nationwide repercussions for state-funded sexual education programs that incorporate comprehensive content on gender identity. The directive to remove gender ideology from federally supported curricula challenges current educational approaches in multiple states, including Oregon and Washington.
- States face a 60-day deadline to revise curricula or risk losing PREP grants.
- Failure to comply could lead to withholding of millions of dollars in federal education funding.
- The controversy highlights the ongoing national debate over sexual education and LGBTQ+ inclusivity in schools.
Have Your Say on Education and Gender Identity Curriculum Policies
What do you think about the Trump administration’s move to condition federal education funding on the removal of gender ideology teachings? How do you feel this could impact students in Oregon and Washington? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!