The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through its Administration for Children and Families (ACF), has issued a directive to 46 states and territories, mandating the removal of all references to "gender ideology" from their federally funded Personal Responsibility Education Program (PREP) materials.
The states and territories have been given a 60-day deadline to comply or face the withdrawal of federal funding.
This directive follows the recent termination of California's PREP grant, a consequence of the state's refusal to adhere to similar requirements. As reported by The Post Millennial, federal officials assert that this move highlights the Trump Administration's dedication to ensuring that taxpayer funds are not allocated to what they term as "delusional ideology" within programs designed to educate youth on responsibility and sound decision-making. Acting Assistant Secretary Andrew Gradison emphasized,
"Accountability is coming. 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 letter dispatched to state and territorial agencies warns that non-compliance could result in the withholding, suspension, or complete termination of PREP funding. These grants are crucial for supporting educational initiatives focused on teen pregnancy prevention, sexually transmitted infection education, and fostering healthy relationships.
California's defiance of the mandate led to its distinction as the first state to forfeit its PREP funding. The recent wave of letters clarifies that similar repercussions will be enforced nationwide.
The states and territories receiving these notifications include Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Palau, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, and Washington DC.
This development raises questions about the balance between federal oversight and state autonomy in educational content, particularly in areas touching on sensitive social issues. The Trump Administration's stance reflects a broader conservative agenda that prioritizes traditional values and seeks to limit the influence of progressive ideologies in federally funded programs.
As states and territories navigate this directive, the implications for educational content and funding remain a critical area of focus.
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