The U.S. House Committee on Education and the Workforce is continuing its investigation into Chicago Public Schools by requesting more information on the district’s policies supporting transgender students and other diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.

In a letter Thursday addressed to district CEO Macquline King, committee Chair Rep. Tim Walberg, a Republican from Michigan, wrote that the committee “is reviewing how CPS policies affect the safety, privacy, and well-being of children, and whether parents are excluded from major decisions involving their children,” specifically around topics such as pronouns and preferred gender.

The letter includes a request for more information from the district regarding its guidelines, including its gender and sexuality protections for students; written complaints about certain CPS gender plans since 2023; trainings for teachers and coaches on gender and sexuality; and courses and materials associated with gender and sexuality beginning in 2025.

The letter comes two months after King sat before the committee in Washington to defend the district’s policies. In 2025, CPS was under federal investigation over its Black Student Success Program. After the district refused to scrap the initiative, the U.S. Department of Education pulled millions in federal grants. More broadly, the department has launched similar investigations into other schools’ gender and sexuality policies, including recent investigations in Maryland and Michigan.

King steadfastly defended the district at the June hearing, responding to multiple committee questions by stating that CPS’ guidelines comply with Illinois law and highlighting its commitment to equity.

“In CPS, we say every student, every school, every community,” King said. “Fulfilling that commitment requires us to recognize the diversity of experiences, needs, and strengths that exist across our district.”

The House committee’s letter requests that the district respond no later than Sept. 11.

“The information gathered will aid the Committee in considering whether potential legislative changes are needed,” the letter states.

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(Tribune reporter Kate Armanini contributed.)

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