The U.S. Department of Education has opened probes into Denver Public Schools and the Bethel School District after complaints alleging that students were shown materials or activities involving same-sex kissing and a testosterone-related exhibit. The investigations focus on whether the districts violated a federal law that permits parents to opt their children out of certain school surveys or instructional evaluations that cover issues such as sexual behavior or attitudes. According to reporting, the inquiries examine how the districts handled parent notification and consent requirements for the relevant educational activities or materials, including whether the content falls within categories covered by the opt-out protections. The department’s review also addresses whether the schools treated the complained-of materials in a way consistent with federal rules governing access and participation for students whose parents choose not to have them take part. The inquiries do not pre-judge any outcome; they are described as fact-finding steps to determine whether the districts complied with federal opt-out requirements. The investigation’s scope is centered on parental rights under the relevant law and the districts’ compliance with those requirements.