Congress to Grill San Francisco Schools Chief Maria Su About Gender, Ethnic Studies

San Francisco Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Maria Su will appear before the House Education and the Workforce Committee on Wednesday to address concerns over parental rights and curriculum content. The hearing, led by Chairman Tim Walberg (R-Michigan), follows a letter demanding accountability for how federal funds are used in schools. Su, along with Chicago Public Schools CEO Macquline King and Loudoun County, Virginia Superintendent Aaron Spence, will face questions about gender identity policies, parental disclosure, and course material on race and sexuality." "The DOJ announced a compliance review of SFUSD and three smaller Northern California districts on Monday, citing a lack of parental notification for instruction on sexual orientation and gender ideology. The review also flags these topics as embedded in California’s social studies and history classes, despite district claims that neither parental permission nor notification is required for such discussions. SFUSD did not respond to the DOJ’s findings but emphasized its focus on core academics, including reading, writing, and math, while ensuring safe and supportive learning environments." "Su’s testimony comes as the Trump administration threatens to withhold federal funding from schools with transgender protections or diversity programs. Congress is also considering bills to ban gender ideology instruction and strengthen parental rights in federally funded schools. The hearing, streamed live, begins at 7:15 a.m. PDT, with Su voluntarily attending after Walberg warned of potential subpoenas." "Stanford professor Thomas Dee expects Su to defend SFUSD’s ethnic studies curriculum, once praised nationally, now under scrutiny for alleged ideological biases. The district’s policies on gender-inclusive restrooms, sports participation, and bathroom access will also be examined. Dee noted past hearings led to resignations, including three Ivy League university presidents, suggesting potential consequences for SFUSD’s leadership." "King and Spence were also summoned, with King initially declining before being subpoenaed. The hearing reflects broader political tensions over education, with federal oversight intensifying under the current administration. Su’s written testimony highlighted the district’s commitment to student safety, family communication, and teacher support as foundational to academic success.