Title IX, a federal law originally passed in 1972, prohibits sex-based harassment and discrimination in schools. In the most recent updates, the U.S. Department of Education includes three major revisions that impact LGBTQI+ students:
- Clarifying that sex-based discrimination prohibited by Title IX is inclusive of discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, and sex characteristics. The inclusion of language about sex characteristics is particularly critical for ensuring that intersex people are protected by Title IX.
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Clarifying that Title IX prohibits sex-based harassment, instead of only sexual harassment. This is particularly critical for ensuring that verbal and physical harassment of LGBTQI+ students is addressed.
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Clarifying that sex-separated programs and activities - including bathrooms, locker rooms, overnight accommodations, and sex education classes - cannot exclude a person from a space consistent with their gender identity.
These recent updates constitute a historic step in remedying the persistent harassment and discrimination faced by LGBTQI+ youth, ultimately building safer and more inclusive learning environments for all students.
Now that these regulations have been adopted at the federal level, states and local school districts must be held accountable for discriminatory policies that violate Title IX or target LGBTQI+ youth.
You can use your voice to urge your federal, state, and local decision makers to update policies and improve practices so that LGBTQI+ students can learn in an environment free from harassment or discrimination. |
Clearer Title IX protections for LGBTQI+ students is only one part of the broader effort to create safer and more inclusive learning environments. It will take sustained advocacy across the school community to ensure that every child has equitable access to educational opportunity. Thank you for your partnership and advocacy in working to secure a better future for the next generation. In Solidarity, Melanie Willingham-Jaggers
Pronouns: she, her, hers/they, them, theirs Executive Director |
