The Trump administration has ended the extension of specific protections for some LGBTQ+ individuals that were established during Joe Biden’s presidency, leading to a backlash from Democrats.
In 2024, Biden’s policies included sexual orientation and gender identity under Title IX protections managed by the Department of Education.
‘Trump is once again attacking the civil rights protections that help make our country great.’
The Department of Education stated that the Biden administration’s Office for Civil Rights had pressured schools to allow male participation in female sports and facilities, and even investigated staff for not using preferred pronouns.
With this new action, the Trump administration has reverted to the Title IX rules from its first term, as reported by the Education Department.
Linda McMahon, the education secretary, commented that this decision aligns Title IX regulations with court orders and congressional intent, which is meant to clear up confusion for parents, students, and schools.
The Human Rights Campaign expressed concern that this change might lead to an increase in sexual violence in educational settings.
According to the organization, “The Trump administration is erasing protections for LGBTQ+ kids and survivors of sexual assault in school settings without an opportunity for public comment.”
Some Democrats took the opportunity to criticize the president sharply.
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“Every day, this administration continues to target LGBTQIA+ kids,” said Representative Pramila Jayapal from Washington. “It’s incredibly harmful and does the opposite of what our shared goal should be: protecting kids. The LGBTQIA+ community and all our students deserve better.”
National Women’s Law Center director Shiwali Patel added that while the administration claims to prioritize women and girls’ safety, it is, in fact, undermining laws designed to protect students and ensure school accountability.
Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker responded, saying, “Trump is once again attacking the civil rights protections that help make our country great. Illinois will remain a safe state for ALL students to pursue their dreams.”
Republicans have praised the reversion to earlier policies.
Republican Representative Mark Harris from North Carolina remarked that changes introduced by the Biden administration did significant damage to women and girls by substituting biological sex for gender identity.
He stated, “Biological males do not belong in women’s locker rooms, on women’s teams, or competing in women’s sports. This action restores common sense and makes clear that schools must protect the safety, privacy, and opportunities of female students.”
