Staff Reports
A group of red states, including Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Montana, and Idaho, are taking legal action against the Biden administration over changes to Title IX. Title IX is a law that aims to ensure there is no discrimination based on sex in educational programs that receive federal funding.
The states’ lawsuits oppose the Biden administration’s efforts to expand Title IX protections to include “sexual orientation” and “gender identity.” They argue that these changes would require schools to allow individuals who identify as a different gender to access spaces designated for that gender. They are concerned that this could lead to violations of the privacy and safety of women and girls.
‘Plainly Illegal’: Red States Sue Biden Admin Over New Title IX Rules https://t.co/V2PFPjtEIt . #Trump2024 pic.twitter.com/2jJiiUPiiT
— NahBabyNah (@NahBabyNah) April 29, 2024
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton criticized the Biden administration, accusing them of attempting to rewrite Title IX and undermine protections for women. He labeled the administration’s actions as illegal and out of touch with reality. The states filing the lawsuits are particularly opposed to the potential requirement for schools to accommodate transgender students in various facilities.
Conservatives view the administration’s push to include gender identity protections under Title IX as a threat to traditional values and safety concerns. They argue that the proposed changes could lead to situations where individuals may be punished for not using a transgender student’s preferred pronouns, infringing on free speech rights.
The joint lawsuit filed by Louisiana, Mississippi, Montana, and Idaho echoes these concerns, emphasizing potential issues related to free speech and parental rights. They assert that students could face repercussions for not using preferred pronouns and that parents might not be informed about their children receiving counseling related to gender affirmation at school.
Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch highlighted the importance of maintaining safe spaces for women and questioned the legal basis for the Biden administration’s actions. The states involved in the lawsuits aim to challenge the expansion of the definition of “sex” in Title IX to include self-identified gender, contending that it is overreaching and could have negative consequences.
Overall, the conservative perspective on this issue underscores the need to uphold traditional values, protect women’s rights, and defend freedom of speech. The lawsuits represent a pushback against what is perceived as government overreach and a departure from longstanding legal principles.
