Biden's Title IX Law Expanding Protections for LGBTQ+ Students is Dealt Another Setback

A federal judge in Texas has blocked the Biden administration's guidance on Title IX that expands protections for LGBTQ+ students, dealing another setback to the administration's efforts to promote inclusivity in schools. The guidance, issued in June 2021, clarifies that Title IX prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, and includes guidance on issues like access to restrooms and locker rooms, participation in sports, and the use of pronouns and names. However, the judge's ruling, which was issued in response to a lawsuit filed by 20 states, contends that the administration exceeded its authority in issuing the guidance without going through a formal rulemaking process. This ruling adds to a growing number of legal challenges to Biden administration policies on transgender rights, including bans on transgender students participating in school sports that align with their gender identity. The judge's decision effectively suspends the guidance nationwide, while the Justice Department considers its next steps. This setback is likely to be appealed by the Biden administration, highlighting the ongoing legal battles over LGBTQ+ rights in education.

Summary

"The ruling by a federal judge in Texas blocking the Biden administration's guidance on Title IX, which expands protections for LGBTQ+ students, is a setback for the administration's efforts to promote inclusivity in schools. This decision, which is likely to be appealed, adds to the growing legal challenges surrounding LGBTQ+ rights in education."

Updated at: 06.19.2024