The Department of Education, under President Donald Trump, has announced the repeal of key Title IX guidelines. These guidelines were designed to protect students from discrimination and harassment based on their sexual orientation and gender identity.
Craig Trainor, the Acting Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, shared details in a letter. He explained that the Trump administration has reverted to 2020 rules, which made it tougher for victims to report incidents. These previous rules required hearings and cross-examinations, leading many to feel discouraged from seeking justice.
Sheila Katz, CEO of the National Council of Jewish Women, voiced her concerns, stating, “This dangerous rollback changes Title IX from a law that protects women, girls, and LGBTQ students into one that shields schools enabling harm.”
Trainor mentioned that an executive order from Trump against “gender ideology” influenced this change, suggesting that the president’s legal stance ultimately dictates how Title IX should be interpreted. This has raised eyebrows among legal experts.
Melissa Carleton, a Title IX lawyer, responded to Trainor’s claim, calling it an “exceptionally broad assertion of power” that lacks substantial legal backing. She noted that schools are, in a sense, being taken back to the time before the Biden administration’s changes.
This shift in policy comes on the heels of a federal judge’s recent ruling that blocked the Biden-era protections from being enforced nationwide. However, states like California are taking a stand. Superintendent Tony Thurmond assured residents that California law remains unaffected by these federal changes and will continue to protect students against discrimination and harassment based on gender and sexual orientation.
While the landscape for Title IX protections is shifting, many advocates and states are determined to uphold meaningful support for students facing discrimination. The conversation around these policies is ongoing, and the implications for students and educational institutions are significant.
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