Education Rescinds Title IX Protections for LGBTQ Students

Secretary Linda McMahon announces return to 2020 standards, citing protection for women's sports

On Monday, the U.S. Department of Education announced the formal revocation of the Title IX interpretation adopted during the Biden administration, which extended protection against sex discrimination to LGBTQ students. The change reverts to the original 2020 text, approved during the Trump administration, defining sex based on birth.

What the Decision Changes for Schools

With the new rule, educational institutions will once again follow the Title IX code which, according to the Department, protects women's sports. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon stated that the measure reflects “court orders and congressional intent,” reducing confusion for parents, students, and schools.

Reaction from LGBTQ Rights Groups

Organizations advocating for trans and LGBTQ students denounced that the revocation weakens protection against harassment and sexual violence. Shiwali Patel, senior director of education equity at the National Women’s Law Center, stated that the measure “ignores what survivors need, instead using Title IX to attack trans students.”

Impact on Women's Sports

The secretary emphasized that the change prevents trans athletes from participating in women's teams, citing cases such as at the University of Pennsylvania, where a trans swimmer had records erased. According to McMahon, “there are times when girls have been truly harmed by a male competing against them.”

Judicial and Legislative Context

The 2024 rule, established during the Biden administration, had already been overturned by court decisions in Republican states. Furthermore, the Supreme Court ruled that states can prevent trans athletes from competing on women's teams, although it did not resolve the definition of sex under Title IX.

Next Steps for the Government

The Department of Education indicates that the redefinition of “sex” as an immutable biological classification will be included in a future, yet-to-be-published amendment. Meanwhile, investigations in 20 districts are underway to ensure compliance with sexual harassment standards, although critics point to delays in addressing complaints.

With information from The Hill, Yahoo.