Responses to 2025 Federal Actions & Communications

At the California Department of Education (CDE), we are focused on moving the needle for student achievement no matter what. We are committed to providing our local educational agencies (LEAs) with guidance and support in these rapidly changing times, so that our educators can continue to focus on what’s working in our local schools.

This page includes letters to the field as well as news releases that help educators and families understand any impact on California’s public schools and students, or lack thereof, resulting from federal actions and communications.

April 11, 2025

Further Update Regarding FERPA and AB 1955

Letter to Frank E. Miller, Jr., Acting Director, Student Policy Office, United States Department of Education

• Exhibit 1: FERPA Letter from the United States Secretary of State and the Student Privacy Policy Office from March 28, 2025 (PDF)
• Exhibit 2: CDE FERPA Summary Page
• Exhibit 3: CDE Protections for LGBTQ+ Students: AB 1955
• Exhibit 4: Facts to Consider Regarding FERPA and AB 1955

Further Update Regarding Title VI Compliance

• Attachment 1: Joint Letter from Request for Certification Under Title VI
• Attachment 2: Notice of Agreement with Respect to Plaintiffs’ Motion for Temporary Restraining Order (Ecf No. 41) (PDF)

April 4, 2025

Update Regarding Title VI Compliance

Update Regarding Federal COVID Relief Funds

April 1, 2025

Facts to Consider Regarding FERPA and AB 1955

March 21, 2025

Continuity of Federal Laws Governing Educational Programs

March 20, 2025

Response to Federal Executive Order Signaling Intent to Dismantle the United States Department of Education

• Related News Release: State Superintendent Tony Thurmond Pledges to Continue Focus on Moving the Needle for Student Achievement, Pushes Back on Unlawful Efforts to Dismantle Federal Education Programs

February 21, 2025

Clarification Regarding the February 14 “Dear Colleague Letter” from the United States Department of Education

State Education Leaders Affirm Stability in Federal Education Law Compliance and Focus on Student Achievement

February 3, 2025

Commitment to Continuity for California’s Children, Schools, and Families

• Related News Release: State Superintendent Thurmond Encourages All California Educators to ‘Stay Focused,’ Shares News of Temporary Restraining Order Against Trump Administration’s Efforts to Pause School Programs
  

January 31, 2025

Affirmation of Continued Protections on the Basis of Gender, Gender Expression, Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation

• Related News Release: State Superintendent Thurmond Responds to United States Department of Education’s Backward Step on Title IX Protections
  

January 21, 2025

Reminder of Obligation to Protect Immigrant Families’ Rights to Access Public Education