Maryland Among States Federal Government Demands Remove Gender Ideology Content from Sex Education Materials, Threatens Funding

WASHINGTON D.C. – The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through its Administration for Children and Families (ACF), has issued directives to 46 states and territories, demanding the removal of all references to “gender ideology” from their federally funded Personal Responsibility Education Program (PREP) materials within 60 days. Failure to comply with this directive could result in the withholding, suspension, or termination of PREP funding. This action follows the recent termination of California’s PREP grant for similar reasons.

The ACF’s directive stems from a review of PREP curricula, which are intended to educate adolescents on abstinence, contraception, and other adulthood preparation subjects. The agency asserts that content related to gender ideology falls outside the scope of the PREP authorizing statute and is not relevant to the program’s objectives. Specific examples of content flagged for removal include discussions on pronouns, definitions of gender identity and expression, and references to LGBTQ+ inclusivity within educational materials. The agency argues that prior administrations may have erroneously approved such content, overstepping the agency’s authority.

States and territories receiving these letters are now required to submit modified curricula and program materials for ACF approval by October 27, 2025. The directive emphasizes that federal funds will not be used to promote what the administration terms “dangerous ideological agendas,” aiming to ensure that PREP programs align with the intent of Congress. The potential financial impact for states like Maryland, which could face a loss of nearly $2.5 million in funding, highlights the significance of this federal mandate. A total of $81,336,561 in funding is threatened to be withheld if states do not comply. No statement had been issued by the Maryland State Department of Education or Maryland Department of Health at the time of publication.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

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