The Biden administration is not just reversing Trump's weakening of Title IX sex discrimination protections in schools. President Biden is making the protections even stronger.
During a call with reporters, Sec. of Education Miguel Cardona told PoliticusUSA, 'These regulations clearly state that everyone can access safe, welcoming schools that respect their rights. It clarifies that Title IX’s ban on sex discrimination includes all forms of it. No one should have to give up their school dreams because they're pregnant, and no one should face bullying or discrimination for who they are or who they love. These regulations promote accountability by making schools act quickly to address sex discrimination. Lastly, the rules reaffirm fairness for all parties involved in Title IX rights exercises.'
What are the New Title IX Regulations?
The new Title IX regulations will:
– Protect against all sex-based harassment and discrimination. The final rule protects all students and employees from all sex discrimination prohibited under Title IX, including sexual violence and other sex-based harassment. It clarifies the measures schools must take to protect individuals from discrimination based on pregnancy or related conditions. It also protects against discrimination based on sex stereotypes, sexual orientation, gender identity, and sex characteristics.
– Promote accountability and fairness. The final rule promotes accountability by making schools promptly and effectively end any sex discrimination in their education programs, prevent its recurrence, and remedy its effects. It also requires schools to respond quickly to all sex discrimination complaints using a fair and transparent process and unbiased decisionmakers.
– Empower and support students and families. The final rule protects against retaliation for those exercising their Title IX rights. It also mandates that schools communicate their nondiscrimination policies and procedures to all participants so that they understand their rights. The rule also supports the rights of parents and guardians to act on behalf of their elementary and secondary school children. Additionally, it protects student privacy by limiting disclosures of personally identifiable information.
President Biden is not only reversing Trump's weakening of Title IX protections, which made it easier for schools and colleges to overlook sexual violence and reduced protections for those who faced sexual discrimination at federally funded schools. Biden is also expanding Title IX protections to include gender and sexual orientation.
Administrative actions can be undone by the next administration, so the changes to Title IX make voters consider what kind of society they want to live in?
A Trump return to the White House will lead to the disappearance of the strengthened and expanded Title IX protections.
The American people have a choice. Do they desire an educational system that safeguards opportunity and equality for most of the population, or do they prefer to go back to a time when the nation’s educational institutions are unsafe places for discrimination and sexual violence?
The Biden administration is taking real steps to expand freedom and opportunity, and the changes to Title IX demonstrate the promising future that the United States is capable of with the right leadership.
