The Trump administration has given California 60 days to remove gender identity materials from sex education curriculum or risk losing more than $12.3 million in federal grants that helped pay for the creation and distribution of the materials.

The order is the latest clash between the administration and California related to LGBTQ+ issues. These culture war-tinged disputes have raged on many fronts, but date back substantially to Trump’s Jan. 20 executive order that recognized two sexes, male and female, a dictum that has moved across all departments under his jurisdiction.

In youth sports, this divide has unfolded with Trump threatening to withhold vast sums of federal funding unless California bars transgender athletes from girls’ and women’s sports.

California has not complied to date.

Within the classroom, the Trump policy has meant opposing curriculum that allows for more than a binary — male or female — expression of gender. Historically, federal authority over local curriculum has been limited, but Trump has been quick to use federal funding as leverage.

In this case, it’s the Administration for Children and Families at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that is applying pressure.

The children and families department administers a grant program that annually distributes $75 million nationally “to educate adolescents on … both abstinence and contraception for the prevention of pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections, including HIV/AIDS,” according to federal statute.

For a three-year period, through the next fiscal year, California has been allotted funding worth more than $18.2 million, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The state could lose $12.3 million that it has not yet received, covering multiple years.

California is not being accused of failing to carry out the abstinence and contraception message. Rather, the state has included additional content that the Trump administration defines as objectionable and “outside the scope” of the grant’s purpose.

“The Trump Administration will not tolerate the use of federal funds for programs that indoctrinate our children,” said Acting Assistant Secretary Andrew Gradison. “The disturbing gender ideology content … is both unacceptable and well outside the program’s core purpose.”

A June 20 letter to a senior California official cited, as one of several examples, sample wording from a middle school lesson:

“We’ve been talking during class about messages people get on how they should act as boys and girls — but as many of you know, there are also people who don’t identify as boys or girls, but rather as transgender or gender queer. This means that even if they were called a boy or a girl at birth and may have body parts that are typically associated with being a boy or a girl, on the inside, they feel differently.”

In a statement, the California Department of Public Health did not say how it would respond to the federal demand, but defended the materials as “medically accurate, comprehensive, and age-appropriate.”

The federal grant supports the California Personal Responsibility Education Program, or CA PREP, which provides “comprehensive sexual health education to adolescents via effective, evidence-based or evidence-informed program models,” the state statement said.

The California department also noted that “the curricula have been federally pre-approved, in accordance with federal regulations.”

The Trump administration did not deny this, but said the Biden administration “erred in allowing PREP grants to be used to teach students gender ideology.”

The funding helps pay for sex education programs in juvenile justice facilities, homeless shelters and foster care group homes, as well as some schools, reaching an estimated 13,000 youth per year through 20 agencies.

“Data show that participants who completed CA PREP had a better understanding of sexual and reproductive health topics and improved health outcomes,” the health department stated.

California law requires school districts to provide students with comprehensive sexual health education, along with information about HIV prevention, at least once in high school and once in middle school.

The Trump administration has asserted complete authority over federal grants, including those in progress. Its grant cancellations are being challenged in court.

Times staff writer Daniel Miller contributed to this report.

The Cattaraugus County Youth Bureau is pleased to announce that this week’s featured Youth Citizenship Award recipient is Natalie Reynolds, a senior at Portville High School and the daughter of Jennifer and Marty Reynolds.

Reynolds was nominated by her school counselor, who highlights her exceptional qualities as a strong leader and role model within the school community. Known for her dedication, she actively supports younger students through mentorship programs, offering guidance and encouragement that help them navigate academic and social challenges.

After graduation, Reynolds plans to pursue a degree in biochemistry with the ultimate goal of gaining admission to medical school to become a physician. She aspires to make a meaningful impact on patients’ lives through compassionate care and innovative medical practices, channeling her passion for science into a lifelong commitment to healing and healthcare.

Reynolds has demonstrated a strong commitment to community service, dedicating five years to volunteering with the American Red Cross, where she has taken an active role in organizing blood drives. Additionally, her involvement in setting up 2,977 flags honors the memory of every victim from the 9/11 attacks, reflecting her deep respect for those lost and her dedication to meaningful remembrance.

She has actively contributed to her school community by volunteering with the sports boosters, where she helps sell food at the concession stand during games. She has also taken on the role of referee for the Portville youth soccer program, demonstrating her commitment to supporting local sports and youth activities.

Her dedication to volunteering as a peer tutor for elementary students over the past three years highlights her commitment to education and her ability to positively influence young learners by providing them with essential homework assistance and effective study techniques.

As a member of both the National Honor Society and the Student Council, engaging in volunteer work is a crucial aspect of maintaining her membership. Tasks such as helping to set up and organize school dances, collecting cans for the food bank and wrapping gifts for the Presents for Panthers not only contribute positively to the community but also enhance leadership skills and foster a spirit of service among peers.

Reynolds is actively involved in several extracurricular activities at school, showcasing leadership and dedication. With seven years in the jazz band, she has served as secretary and earned accolades in various competitions. Her two years with the Physics Club, where she held the president and secretary roles, included volunteer work and organizing a trip to Cedar Point. Additionally, she has participated in the International Club for four years, engaging in cultural exchange, community service, and fundraising activities, including a memorable trip to Costa Rica.

With 12 years of soccer experience as a defensive player, Reynolds played a key role in helping her team achieve league championships and the corporate cup, while also being recognized as a 2024 All Western NY scholar athlete. Also playing basketball and serving as JV captain, she demonstrated leadership on the court. Additionally, Reynolds has four years of golf experience, where she earned scholar athlete honors, and two years in varsity track focusing on discus and shot put, further showcasing her extensive athletic versatility and academic dedication.

Reynolds has achieved a remarkable academic record, consistently earning high honor roll throughout her high school years, and has been recognized with prestigious awards such as the Bausch and Lomb University of Rochester Science Award, RIT’s Women and STEM Award and the Portville Junior Alumni Medal, all highlighting her excellence in academics, character, and leadership.

Reynolds’s passion for traveling, skiing and reading reflects her adventurous spirit and love for learning, while her positive attitude and determination are key traits that will undoubtedly contribute to her future successes. Congratulations, Natalie!

Nominations for the 2025 graduating class are closed. For more information, visit cattcoyouth.org or contact Christina O’Brien, Youth Bureau program coordinator, at (716) 701-3360.