Harris Statement in Response to Department of Education Investigation into Cabarrus County Schools

Monday, June 1, 2026

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Mark Harris (NC-08) released the following statement after the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights opened an investigation into Cabarrus County Schools’ compliance with Title IX.

The investigation follows reports alleging that the district permitted male students to access restrooms and locker rooms designated for female students and failed to adequately respond to reports of sexual harassment. As a recipient of federal financial assistance from the Department of Education, the district must comply with Title IX.

“When students walk through the doors of their school, the last thing they should have to worry about is their safety in bathrooms and locker rooms,” said Congressman Harris. “It should go without saying that these intimate spaces must remain private. The reports my office received from Cabarrus County Schools are deeply disturbing and should concern every parent. After bringing these reports directly to the Department of Education, I am grateful for Secretary McMahon’s quick action and for treating this matter with the seriousness it deserves. As this investigation moves forward, I will continue standing up for the young women in my district and fighting to ensure their civil rights are upheld. Our daughters must be protected, and they should be able to trust their school leaders to defend them, not turn a blind eye.”

BACKGROUND:

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in education programs and activities that receive federal financial assistance.
On Jan. 20, 2025, President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14168, “Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government,” establishing that it is the policy of the United States to recognize two sexes, male and female. The executive order also directs federal agencies to enforce sex-protective laws consistent with that policy.
On Jan. 31, 2025, the Department of Education announced it would return to enforcing the 2020 Title IX regulations, including Title IX protections on the basis of biological sex in schools and on campuses.
On April 10, 2026, Congressman Harris sent a letter to Department of Education Secretary Linda McMahon after receiving reports of biological males entering girls’ bathrooms in multiple schools in his district.
On April 29, 2026, the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights sent a letter to Congressman Harris making clear that it would enforce Title IX consistent with Executive Order 14168.
On May 11, 2026, Congressman Harris’ district staff attended a Cabarrus County Board of Education meeting, submitted OCR’s response letter into the record, and read Congressman Harris’ statement.
On May 12, 2026, Congressman Harris spoke with Secretary McMahon regarding the reports from Cabarrus County Schools.
On May 14, 2026, Congressman Harris raised the issue directly with Secretary McMahon during a House Education and Workforce Committee hearing.

CLICK HERE to read the Department of Education Office for Civil Rights’ letter notifying Cabarrus County Schools of the Title IX investigation.

CLICK HERE to read the Daily Signal’s exclusive coverage of Congressman Harris’ efforts.

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Issues: Congress