WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Education has rolled back Title IX protections for women and girls who are survivors of sexual assault, as well as LGBTQ+ students.
During the Biden administration, Title IX regulations explicitly extended protections to students based on gender identity and sexual orientation and strengthened protections for survivors of sexual assault and harassment. The policy change rolls back those protections and directs schools to return to the framework used during the first Trump administration.
The following can be attributed to National Education Association President Princess Moss:
“Every student deserves to go to school knowing they are safe, valued, and protected from discrimination. The decision by the U.S. Department of Education to roll back Title IX protections for students moves us in the opposite direction.
“Title IX is a landmark civil rights law that has opened doors and expanded opportunities for generations of students. It should not be weakened or used to leave students without meaningful protections against discrimination and harassment.
“This rule takes us back to the 2020 Title IX regulations, putting the emphasis back on protections for those accused of sexual harassment and assault while rolling back protections for women, girls, survivors, and LGBTQ+ students. The Biden-era rules strengthened support for survivors, streamlined the process for resolving complaints, and made explicit what existing guidance and caselaw had already established: Title IX protects all students from sex discrimination, including discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. NEA supported those protections then, and we will continue to fight for them now.
“For educators, this is about something fundamental: Our schools must be places where every young person can learn, grow, and become who they are without fear. Protecting students from sexual harassment and assault means protecting women and girls from violence, while protecting LGBTQ+ students from discrimination means ensuring they have the same opportunity to learn and thrive as their classmates. Every student deserves both.
“Educators see every day what happens when students know they are supported. They are better able to engage, learn, build relationships, and thrive. We also know that discrimination and harassment can create barriers to success.
“NEA will continue to stand with women and girls, survivors, LGBTQ+ students, educators, and families. We will continue working for schools where every student, in every ZIP code, can learn free from discrimination and harassment.
“Our students deserve better than a retreat from civil rights protections. They deserve schools that affirm their humanity, protect their rights, and give every student the opportunity to thrive. NEA will keep fighting for that promise—without exception.”
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The National Education Association is the nation’s largest labor union, representing nearly 3 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators, students preparing to become teachers, healthcare workers, and public employees. Learn more at www.nea.org.
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