The U.S. Department of Education has announced it has launched an official investigation into Burlington Public Schools in Massachusetts.
It comes after students were reportedly given a sexually explicit survey and forced to answer the questions despite their parents opting them out.
The department said its Student Privacy Policy Office began investigating the district after reports surfaced that a “Youth Risk Behavior Survey” was distributed in late March to students at Marshall Simonds Middle School and Burlington High School.
The survey included questions about sexual experiences, alcohol use, and gender identity.
It’s unclear why the school was seeking the information from minors.
According to a complaint filed by the Massachusetts Liberty Legal Center, participation in the survey was voluntary.
Many parents exercised their right to opt their children out.
However, parents say the survey was still distributed to all students.
Children were told they were required to complete it, even if it was against their parents’ wishes.
One question in the 2025 survey asked students if they had ever had sexual intercourse, defining the act in detail and also describing oral sex, anal sex, and sex toy use.
In a statement, U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon said:
“Parents must be