Contact 
Calendars
Careers
Engage 
District
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 29, 2025
CONTACT:
Catherine Ashby
[email protected]
ARLINGTON, VA – Today, Arlington Public Schools (APS) filed a complaint in federal court and moved for an injunction seeking to reverse the U.S. Department of Education (U.S. DOE)’s designation of APS as a “high risk” grantee. Under a “high risk” classification, APS has been effectively relieved of approximately $23 million in federal funding, jeopardizing programs that support academics, counseling, and free and reduced meals for over 8,000 students. We assert that the U.S. DOE’s funding freeze violates Title IX, the Administrative Procedures Act, and the Spending Clause of the US Constitution. Accordingly, we have asked the federal court in the Eastern District of Virginia to enjoin the “high risk” designation and ensure the federal funds remain available to APS students.
The legal filing is the latest development in an ongoing federal investigation put in place by the U.S. DOE’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR), accusing APS of violating Title IX and demanding APS amend its “Transgender Students in Schools” policy. APS informed the U.S. DOE that its current policy is consistent with both state and federal law, including the Virginia Values Act, and is also supported by recent court decisions affirming protections for transgender students.
“APS has a duty to our community of students, families and educators to defend the resources they deserve, and policies designed to protect students of all backgrounds. Students are punished when federal funding, primarily used to provide free breakfast and lunch for over 8,000 students or counseling and education for special needs students, is ripped away,” said Dr. Francisco Durán, Superintendent, Arlington Public Schools. “We strongly disagree with the U.S. DOE’s assertion that our policy violates Title IX. Current APS policy adheres to state and federal law. The U.S. DOE is demanding we violate those laws and, in our view, following the law is not optional. We will continue to uphold and advocate for policies that reflect our values and support the academic and social-emotional well-being of every child.”
“One of our primary goals at APS is student safety and wellbeing and U.S. DOE’s decision to withhold federal funds puts thousands of children and families at risk,” said Bethany Zecher Sutton, Chair, Arlington School Board. “We are calling for judicial intervention to unfreeze approximately $23 million in federal funds to ensure our public education system provides students with the tools and resources they rely on for successful academics and personal wellbeing. Given the urgent nature of this matter and the irreparable harm placed on students and families, we expect a judge to hear our case quickly and issue an order preserving our federal funding.”
Over the past several weeks, APS has received strong support from the community. Families, students, and advocates have been outspoken in reinforcing the importance of policies that protect all students. As this process unfolds, we remain committed to maintaining open communication with the APS community.
###
