San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) Superintendent Dr. Maria Su is currently in Washington D.C., testifying before the House Committee on Education and the Workforce regarding contentious issues surrounding parental rights, gender identity, and ethnic studies curriculum in public schools. The hearing, which began on Wednesday, June 9, 2026, places SFUSD at the forefront of a national debate on who controls educational content. Republican lawmakers are expected to intensely question Dr. Su on district policies.
Dr. Su, who has served as SFUSD Superintendent for over a year, is defending the district's approach amid a broader "culture war" in education. She previously served as the Executive Director of the Department of Children, Youth, and Their Families. The congressional summons comes as the U.S. Department of Justice launched a compliance review into SFUSD's policies regarding parental notification on sexual orientation and gender ideology topics.
According to her submitted written testimony, Dr. Su emphasized the district's focus on core academics and creating a safe, welcoming, and supportive learning environment for all students. "Creating a sense of belonging for every student so that they feel welcomed and supported in their learning environment is how we do our core job: teaching," she stated. She also highlighted San Francisco's history of embracing diversity and being a pioneer in LGBTQ rights.
The committee, chaired by Rep. Tim Walberg (R-Mich.), is addressing "attacks on parental rights, inappropriate content and legal abuses in America’s schools." Dr. Su is likely to face questions on policies allowing students to use facilities based on gender identity and the district's ethnic studies curriculum, which was once a national model. Legal and political experts suggest the hearing is highly theatrical, especially in an election year, and Dr. Su is walking a "very fine line" to defend the district's values without creating a viral moment.
SFUSD's draft budget includes over $48 million in federal funding, and there are concerns that the hearing could lead to threats of withholding these funds, a tactic previously used by administrations against districts with certain diversity and inclusion protections. Dr. Su is joined by superintendents from Chicago and Loudoun County, Virginia, in facing similar scrutiny. The City Attorney’s Office is providing legal representation to Dr. Su, with San Francisco bearing the associated costs.
