US letter warns Alaska districts on survey consent, record access

Alaska school districts could lose federal funding if they run sensitive student surveys without written parental consent or keep student records parents cannot inspect. The Alaska Department of Education & Early Development relayed that warning Wednesday, citing new U.S. Department of Education guidance.

The Aug. 26 Dear Colleague Letter says opt-out procedures do not satisfy the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment's written-consent requirement for surveys touching mental health, religious beliefs or political affiliations. Keeping "gender" plans in a separate file to block parental access violates the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, the letter says. It cites a January 2026 finding against California and a June 2026 enforcement partnership between the Education and Justice departments.

"Parents know what is best for their children," said SPPO Director Frank Miller. Advocates for LGBTQ students and families were not available for comment.

Alaska law already requires written permission for surveys on private family affairs. DEED advised districts to review survey procedures, consent forms, required annual notifications and how they respond to records requests.