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Education Department Probes Burlington Schools Over Alleged Opt-Out Violations on Student Risk Survey

An outside review flagged procedural failures as the district pledges full cooperation with the federal inquiry.

Boston police cruisers at the scene of a dog attack in Dorchester on Monday, Aug. 25, 2025.
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Close-Up Shot of a Boy Thinking

Overview

  • The Department of Education’s Student Privacy Policy Office is investigating whether Burlington Public Schools violated the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment by administering the 2025 Youth Risk Behavior Survey despite some parent opt-out requests.
  • Complaints from the Massachusetts Liberty Legal Center triggered the probe after parents objected to survey items on sexual behavior, gender identity, substance use, and other sensitive topics.
  • Education Secretary Linda McMahon condemned the alleged conduct as unconscionable and said the department will conduct a thorough review to defend parents’ rights.
  • Independent consultant Jeffrey M. Sankey found parents were not given a way to review the survey, expanded definitions of sexual terms were not approved by the wellness committee, and the survey link was sent to all students, including those opted out.
  • Superintendent Eric Conti said the district is cooperating, acknowledged five opted-out students completed the survey, and stated Burlington is implementing the reviewer’s recommended policy and process changes.