Eli Coleman Institute for Sexual and Gender Health

The U.S. Department of Education is investigating the Minnesota Department of Education over claims that transgender dolls from a University of Minnesota program are being used in schools. The program, MyGender Dolls, is described as a therapeutic tool for gender-diverse children by trained professionals, with the university stating it will not be in public schools this year. The federal investigation was prompted by a complaint from the conservative nonprofit Defending Education and a Fox News report.

The University of Minnesota's MyGender Dolls program, developed by the Eli Coleman Institute, uses paper dolls as a therapeutic tool for gender-diverse children aged 4-10. The project received a grant up to $10,000 but is not being implemented in public schools, with researchers stating it is restricted to licensed professionals. Governor Tim Walz denied any connection to the program.

Transgender dolls called MyGenderDolls will be introduced to Minnesota schoolchildren aged 4–10 starting this fall through a taxpayer-funded program backed by Gov. Tim Walz. Developed via the University of Minnesota’s Early Innovation Fund, the dolls feature interchangeable genitalia and accessories to help gender-diverse children explore identity concepts.