OLYMPIA, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Washington is co-leading a 16-state lawsuit against the Trump administration over funding cuts to sexual health education programs in schools.
The state Attorney General’s Office says the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is threatening to pull funding for several longstanding teen reproductive care and sex-ed programs.
That includes the Personal Responsibility Education Program grant, which educates teenagers on pregnancy and preventing the spread of STDs.
Washington receives more than $2.5 million each year through the grant.
According to the AG’s office, HHS is pulling the funds because it accuses the programs of teaching “radical gender ideology.”
Washington state law requires classes to use inclusive language to all students, regardless of their sex or gender identity.
The states are asking a judge to stop HHS before it can cancel the grants.
