Department of Education investigates Palo Alto Unified over student survey

The U.S. Department of Education has launched an investigation into Palo Alto Unified School District as part of a review of three California districts that issued a student “Wheel of Privilege” survey, Palo Alto Online reported on October 26, 2026.

The investigation aims to determine whether the district violated federal laws by issuing the survey.

Palo Alto Unified Superintendent Jason Glass stated the district will fully cooperate with the federal inquiry and has already started examining its own practices related to the survey.

Glass also emphasized that participation in the privilege surveys is not mandatory for students in Palo Alto schools, aiming to address concerns about student involvement.