A nonprofit organization is calling for a federal investigation into Minnesota’s planned introduction of transgender dolls aimed at educating children about gender diversity.
Defending Education, a conservative-aligned group known for challenging transgender policies in schools, has lodged a complaint with the Department of Education and the Justice Department. The group is concerned about a program that intends to distribute these unique dolls to classrooms across Minnesota.
“Although MyGender Dolls are reportedly the result of ‘state-funded efforts’ and intended for use in Minnesota schools, there is no indication in news reports or on the MyGender Dolls website that Minnesota parents have been informed about MyGender Dolls’ forthcoming launch,” the group stated.
“DE urges your departments to investigate Minnesota’s MyGender Dolls program and take appropriate corrective action.”
The MyGender Dolls feature gender-neutral names like “Sam,” and are designed for therapeutic activities with children as young as 4, helping them “learn about the different options that exist for who they can be.”
The paper dolls are the product of six years of research conducted at the University of Minnesota Medical School’s Institute for Sexual and Gender Health.
Although the University of Minnesota’s Medical School receives $15 million annually from the state, the university informed The Post that no public funds were used for the MyGender Dolls research.
Researchers engaged “trans and gender diverse” children in playing with the paper dolls and discussing gender within group settings.
The dolls come with over 100 interchangeable accessories, clothing, and hairstyles.
Defending Education argued that the MyGender Dolls program could be in violation of several federal policies, including the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment, the First and 14th Amendments, and executive orders on transgenderism from President Trump.
The Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment prevents federal funding to schools that require students to participate in activities involving surveys, analyses, or evaluations about their “sex behavior or attitudes.”
The group also referenced a recent Supreme Court case that concluded public schools must notify parents and allow them to opt-out of certain LGBTQ materials in the classroom.
Finally, Defending Education cited several executive orders from Trump, including one addressing “indoctrination in K-12 schools … based on gender ideology.”
The Post reached out to Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, MyGender Dolls, and the state’s Department of Education for comment.
