Jennifer Bing, JBing@nclrights.org, 415-845-9406
Amanda Johnston, ajohnston@glad.org, 617-417-7769
For Immediate Release: April 19, 2024
Today, the U.S. Department of Education issued a final rule interpreting and enforcing Title IX, restoring and reinforcing vital civil rights protections for LGBTQ+ students. The National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) and GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD) applaud the Department’s affirmation that Title IX prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, transgender status and other sex-based characteristics and stereotypes. The organizations also commend the administration for reinstating broad protections and remedies for students who experience sex-based harassment, removing many of the onerous complaint resolution procedures instituted by the prior administration, and providing much-needed updates regarding the rights of pregnant and parenting students.
Statement from Julianna Gonen, NCLR’s Federal Policy Director:
“Today the U. S. Department of Education has enshrined in federal regulation what we all know to be true – discrimination against students on the basis of sex has no place in our schools. In this time when policymakers in some states are targeting LGBTQ – and particularly transgender – youth with hostile laws, it is essential for our federal government to send a clear message that such measures violate federal law. We welcome these updated Title IX rules and look forward to working with the Biden Administration to ensure that they are fully implemented so that all students can learn and thrive in our public schools.”
Statement from Jennifer Levi, GLAD Senior Director of Transgender and Queer Rights:
“This important rule could not come at a more critical time. LGBTQ+ students across the country are under attack and more vulnerable than ever. Hostile states and local school committees have wrongly cut back important school protections that queer and transgender young people need to thrive. GLAD and our partner organizations look forward to working with schools and school districts to ensure that local policies and practices comply with federal law.”
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