The Trump administration has ignited a national firestorm by slashing $24 million in education funds from New York, Chicago, and Fairfax County schools over transgender policies. At stake are not only bathroom and sports access rights, but also programs serving millions of underserved students. With classrooms caught in the crossfire of politics, the fight over federal funding has become a battle over civil rights, city values, and the future of America’s schools.
Three of the nation’s largest school districts could lose a combined $24 million after the Trump administration ruled they failed to change policies supporting transgender students. New York City Schools, Chicago Public Schools, and Fairfax County Public Schools in Virginia were told by the US Education Department to stop allowing students to use restrooms and locker rooms that align with their gender identity. Because they refused, they will no longer be certified as compliant with federal civil rights law, making them ineligible for Magnet School Assistance Program grants.
The Education Department said Fairfax County will lose $3.4 million, Chicago will forfeit $5.8 million, and New York City schools will lose about $15 million. Officials said these funds supported staffing, technology, field trips, and enrichment programs. Department spokesperson Julie Hartman accused the districts of “blatantly discriminating” and said parents deserve education without “ideological indoctrination.”
Beyond bathroom and locker room access, the department demanded that New York and Chicago ban transgender girls from female sports. Chicago was also told to end a program supporting Black students, which the administration labeled racial discrimination. Chicago officials pushed back, saying the government offered no proof of harm and acted outside proper procedures. New York City officials said the cuts would undermine critical opportunities for underserved students.
The dispute has also reached the New York City mayoral campaign. Incumbent Mayor Eric Adams said he would explore changes to bathroom policy but admitted he lacked authority under state law, which protects transgender students’ rights. Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani condemned Adams’ remarks as contrary to city values. City Hall accused the federal government of using funding as leverage to force unwanted changes, stressing that one million students would be affected by the loss of resources.
