The U.S. Department of Education has issued a final rule interpreting & enforcing Title IX which restores & reinforces vital civil rights protections for our LGBTQ students. The new Title IX rule prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, transgender status & other sex-based characteristics & stereotypes. It also remedies students who experience sex-based harassment, removing the onerous complaint resolution procedures instituted by the prior administration & providing much-needed updates regarding the rights of pregnant & parenting students. Julianna Gonen, National Center for Lesbian Rights Federal Policy Director stated, “The U. S. Department of Education has enshrined in federal regulation what we all know to be true - discrimination against students on the basis of sex has no place in our schools. In this time when policymakers in some states are targeting LGBTQ & particularly transgender - youth with hostile laws, it is essential for our federal government to send a clear message that such measures violate federal law. We welcome these updated Title IX rules & look forward to working with the Biden Administration to ensure that they are fully implemented so that all students can learn & thrive in our public schools.” Though this is a major milestone to protect our LGBTQ youth there’s still much more work to be done. The new Title IX Ruling does not protect the rights of transgender athletes to play & be part of a team. In 2024 we’re already dealing with more than 470 anti-LGBTQ bills introduced in state legislatures nationwide mostly targeting our transgender youth. Friday I participated in a virtual press briefing with LGBTQ leaders, legal experts, civil rights leaders & student advocates about the new Title IX rule.
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