70 GOP lawmakers challenge Biden’s changes to Title IX, saying they put girls at risk
Recently, a group of almost 70 House Republicans have taken action to block the Biden administration’s new Title IX reforms that aim to widen protections for transgender students. Led by Rep. Mary Miller, R-Illinois, these lawmakers have introduced a bill to reverse the Department of Education’s recent policy change.
In a statement, Miller expressed her concerns, stating, “Joe Biden is undermining years of progress women have made in securing their rights under Title IX. For more than half a century, Title IX has protected women and girls, ensuring they have equal opportunities in education.”
The bill has garnered support from prominent figures such as House Education and Workforce Committee Chairwoman Virginia Foxx, R-N.C., and House GOP Conference Chairwoman Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., who is the No. 4 House Republican leader.
For those unfamiliar, Title IX is a significant civil rights law that forbids sex-based discrimination in federally-funded schools and other educational institutions. The recent updates in April have broadened the definition of discrimination to include sexual orientation and gender identity, a move that has sparked controversy.
Critics argue that these changes could potentially erode the protections that have long been in place for women and girls. On the other hand, LGBTQ+ advocates view these reforms as crucial in safeguarding transgender students. The new policy is slated to come into effect on August 1.
Foxx voiced her concerns, stating that the rule change “hacks Title IX into pieces and expunges decades of progress for women and girls across the nation.” She emphasized the urgent need to address this issue to preserve the rights of women and girls.
It is worth noting that by mid-May, there have been numerous lawsuits filed against the Biden administration by at least 26 GOP-led states over these rule changes. The most recent lawsuit involves attorneys general from Kansas, Utah, Alaska, and Wyoming.
Overall, the debate surrounding the expansion of Title IX protections for transgender students continues to generate significant attention and controversy across the political spectrum. Stay tuned for further developments on this issue.
