Minnesota Department of Education

The Trump administration is investigating Minnesota over allegations of 'transgender dolls' in classrooms, threatening to cut federal funding if violations are found. Minnesota disputes involvement, stating the program is a University of Minnesota study. Researchers clarified the dolls are a therapeutic tool for professionals, not for classroom use this fall.

The U.S. Department of Education has opened an investigation into the Minnesota Department of Education regarding the use of 'MyGenderDolls' in schools, following a parental complaint. The dolls, featuring interchangeable genitalia and gender-neutral attributes, are expected to be used with students as young as 4 years old this fall.

The U.S. Department of Education is investigating the Minnesota Department of Education over claims that transgender dolls from a University of Minnesota program are being used in schools. The program, MyGender Dolls, is described as a therapeutic tool for gender-diverse children by trained professionals, with the university stating it will not be in public schools this year. The federal investigation was prompted by a complaint from the conservative nonprofit Defending Education and a Fox News report.

The University of Minnesota's MyGender Dolls program, developed by the Eli Coleman Institute, uses paper dolls as a therapeutic tool for gender-diverse children aged 4-10. The project received a grant up to $10,000 but is not being implemented in public schools, with researchers stating it is restricted to licensed professionals. Governor Tim Walz denied any connection to the program.

The 70th defendant in the Feeding Our Future fraud scheme, Abdirashid Bixi Dool, was convicted after pleading guilty to wire fraud. He and co-conspirators submitted fraudulent claims on behalf of Bilaal Mosque, Inc. and Multicultural Resource Center, Inc., falsely reporting over 505,000 meals served to children and defrauding Minnesota Department of Education of nearly $1.1 million.

Minnesota's new health standards were rejected by a judge due to insufficient notice provided to lawmakers for a public hearing. The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) plans to request reconsideration, but committee members expressed disappointment and uncertainty about next steps.

Minnesota lawmakers failed to get Rep. Ilhan Omar to testify about alleged fraud in a massive scandal, prompting a failed subpoena vote, but the committee's chair says more options exist. The subpoena required a two-thirds committee vote in favor to pass, but only got five out of the six votes needed. The committee will continue to investigate whistleblower reports and webs of fraud.

Minnesota lawmakers failed to subpoena Rep. Ilhan Omar to testify about alleged fraud in a federal school nutrition program. The committee's chair, State Rep. Kristin Robbins, says more options exist and will continue to investigate whistleblower reports. The federal government has legal options to pursue the matter.

Minnesota Rep. Kristin Robbins is demanding answers from Rep. Ilhan Omar after she skipped a state hearing investigating her ties to a pandemic-era fraud scandal linked to the MEALS Act, which Omar sponsored. Robbins requested extensive documentation, including communications with the Minnesota Department of Education and individuals charged in the 'Feeding Our Future' case, but Omar has not responded to multiple outreach attempts.