Palo Alto school district investigated over student privacy concerns

The U.S. Department of Education has launched an investigation into the Palo Alto Unified School District for allegedly requiring students to disclose personal information without parental consent, according to San Jose Inside.

The investigation focuses on whether the district violated the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment, which mandates schools to notify parents and obtain written consent before surveying students on sensitive topics.

Federal officials said the inquiry stems from complaints about activities like the 'Wheel of Privilege' survey, which asks students to reveal intimate details such as sexual orientation, gender identity, health conditions, economic status, and race.

The Education Department warned that noncompliance with federal parental rights laws could risk federal funding for school programs. Palo Alto Unified stated it will cooperate fully and respond to the allegations.

This investigation is part of a broader federal review that also includes San Francisco and North Monterey County school districts, as well as ongoing probes into San Jose State University and California community colleges on related issues.