He refuses to answer important questions regarding the policies.
The Biden administration has introduced a set of new regulations aimed at bolstering protections for LGBTQ+ students and reshaping the handling of sexual harassment and assault cases on college campuses. These regulations, part of a revised Title IX framework issued by the Education Department, fulfill a campaign promise by President Biden to overhaul the policies implemented during the Trump administration.
While the updated rules expand protections against sex discrimination to include gender identity and sexual orientation, notably absent is a directive prohibiting schools from imposing bans on transgender athletes competing against cisgender females. This omission has sparked debate, with many viewing it as a strategic move by the Biden administration amidst heightened political tensions surrounding transgender rights in sports.
Under the revamped guidelines, schools are prohibited from segregating or treating individuals differently based on sex, except in specific circumstances. Critics argue that this change could result in facilities like locker rooms and bathrooms being determined by gender identity rather than biological sex.
For LGBTQ+ students who encounter discrimination, Title IX guarantees a response from their educational institution, with the option to seek federal intervention if necessary. Additionally, President Biden has reversed sexual assault due process rules enacted by his predecessor, eliminating requirements for live hearings and allowing separate interviews of involved parties.
The revised policy, which adopts the “preponderance of the evidence” standard for evaluating evidence, has garnered support from advocates for victims’ rights while drawing criticism from Republicans who contend that it undermines the rights of accused students.
Education Secretary Miguel Cardona hailed the new regulations as a step towards creating inclusive and safe learning environments. However, opposition groups, such as the Independent Women’s Forum (IWF), argue that the changes jeopardize protections for women under Title IX, leading them to pursue legal action against the Biden administration.
Riley Gaines, host of the “Gaines for Girls” podcast, lamented the perceived erosion of women’s rights in athletics under the updated Title IX regulations. She criticized the administration’s approach, asserting that it undermines the law’s original intent to combat discrimination in education.
May Mailman, director of the Independent Women’s Law Center (IWLC), echoed these sentiments, stating that the regulations deviate from the statutory framework of Title IX by prioritizing gender identity over biological sex. The IWLC, alongside the IWF and other organizations, plans to challenge the Biden administration’s actions in court.
