The Biden administration has backed away from its proposed Title IX rule that sought to prevent states from banning transgender athletes in school sports. Introduced in April 2023, the rule aimed to protect transgender athletes by allowing them to compete based on their gender identity. But mounting legal hurdles and fierce public opposition forced a dramatic retreat.
Over 150,000 public comments poured in, many opposing the rule. Legal challenges erupted across the country, with seven circuit courts blocking the rewrite as unconstitutional. The Supreme Court’s support of lower court injunctions ensured the rule couldn’t proceed in 26 states. Facing this legal quagmire, the Department of Education decided to withdraw the rule entirely.
Critics celebrated the decision as a victory for women’s sports. Advocates argued that including transgender athletes undermined fair competition and decades of progress for female athletes. Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares hailed the withdrawal as critical to maintaining fairness and protecting opportunities for women in sports.
Public sentiment played a significant role. Many Americans believe women’s sports should remain exclusive to biological females, viewing the rule as an overreach. Groups like Alliance Defending Freedom highlighted how the decision aligns with the majority opinion, reflecting widespread resistance to imposed gender ideologies.
The timing of the withdrawal coincides with a political shift, as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office. By abandoning the rule now, the Biden administration avoids leaving the incoming administration the arduous task of overturning it from scratch.
Filed on December 20, 2024, and set for publication on December 26, this move brings a contentious chapter in Title IX rulemaking to a close.
Sources:
https://www.yahoo.com/news/biden-admin-withdraws-trans-student-102604503.html
https://www.k12dive.com/news/title-ix-athletics-proposed-rule-transgender-LGBTQ-sports/736222/