Trump DOE probes MN schools over U of M 'transgender dolls' project
The U.S. Department of Education opened an investigation Friday into a University of Minnesota-backed MyGenderDolls project after parents said the dolls were used in Minnesota classrooms without notice or an opt-out.[1]
The probe is focused specifically on the MyGenderDolls project rather than a generic category of "transgender dolls." Alphanews Parents told reporters the dolls were shown to students across certain age ranges and grade levels and that schools gave no prior notice or opt-out option.[1] Alphanews reports the project is funded and institutionally backed by the University of Minnesota's Eli Coleman Institute and includes curriculum materials tied to its stated educational goals.[1]
Fox 9 first reported the Trump administration was investigating Minnesota schools over so-called "transgender dolls" on Wednesday, July 29, 2026.[2] Alphanews' later reporting clarified the probe is aimed at the University of Minnesota-backed MyGenderDolls project and added details about how the dolls and related materials were used in classrooms.[1]
Earlier headlines used a generic phrase, but newer coverage has identified the specific university-backed project and described its funding and classroom use allegations.[1]
Show source details & analysis (2 sources)
📌 Key Facts
- Alphanews reported on Friday, July 31, 2026, that the U.S. Department of Education has opened an investigation into the matter: Alphanews.
- The U.S. Department of Education’s probe is focused specifically on the University of Minnesota–backed MyGenderDolls project, not on a generic category of “transgender dolls.”
- Parents have alleged additional details about how and where the dolls were used in Minnesota classrooms, citing specific age ranges and grade levels and saying there was no prior notice or opt‑out offered.
- The project has funding and institutional backing from the University of Minnesota’s Eli Coleman Institute.
- Alphanews says the project describes particular stated educational goals and materials that expand on earlier coverage.
📰 Source Timeline (2)
Follow how coverage of this story developed over time
- Confirms the U.S. Department of Education’s investigation is focused specifically on the U of M–backed MyGenderDolls project, not just generic ‘transgender dolls’.
- Details additional parent allegations about how and where the dolls were used in Minnesota classrooms (age ranges, grade levels, and lack of prior notice or opt‑out).
- Clarifies the funding and institutional backing from the University of Minnesota’s Eli Coleman Institute and describes the project’s stated educational goals and materials beyond what was in earlier coverage.