Title IX Rule Now in Effect: A Win for LGBTQ+ Student Safety and Inclusion
For Immediate Release: August 1, 2024
Contact: press@glsen.org
Title IX Rule Now in Effect: A Win for LGBTQ+ Student Safety and Inclusion
GLSEN Executive Director Melanie Willingham-Jaggers Emphasizes the Positive Impacts of Title IX Protections for LGBTQ+ Youth
Washington, DC (August 1, 2024) - Today, the U.S. Department of Education's updated Title IX regulations officially go into effect marking a significant milestone in the fight for safe and inclusive learning environments for LGBTQ+ students. As an organization dedicated to creating safe and affirming schools for all students, GLSEN has long advocated for policies that protect LGBTQ+ youth from discrimination and harm.
The rule clarifies essential protections to ensure that LGBTQ+ students are shielded from bullying and harassment, supporting all students in accessing a school environment that is safe and free from discrimination. The updated regulations clarify that discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity is prohibited under Title IX. The 1972 law prevents sex-based discrimination in federally funded education programs and activities. Now, the regulations make clear that schools should not exclude transgender students from sex-separated spaces (e.g., bathrooms, locker rooms) that are consistent with their gender identity.
The implementation of these protections is not without challenges. There are currently nine lawsuits from 26 states attempting to block the updated Title IX rule, and these regulations are temporarily blocked in 21 states. Despite these obstacles, the rule will go into effect today in the remaining states and significantly expand the patchwork of protections on which LGBTQ+ students have relied.
Melanie Willingham-Jaggers, Executive Director of GLSEN, emphasized the importance of these protections:
"Today's implementation of the updated Title IX regulations is a crucial step toward ensuring that every LGBTQ+ student feels safe, supported, and respected in their schools. These protections are not just about policy—they are about the real lives of students who deserve to learn in environments free from bullying and harassment. If a child does not feel safe in school, they simply will not learn. These urgently needed updates to Title IX remain the minimum legal obligation for schools in supporting their student populations. Despite the legal battles and resistance, we must continue to advocate for inclusive education that goes above and beyond what is legally require to truly honor and protect all students."
The need for these protections is underscored by data from GLSEN's 2021 National School Climate Survey, which revealed that 83% of LGBTQ+ students reported being victimized in school, yet 62% never reported these incidents to school staff. Further, FBI data from early 2024 indicates a significant increase in hate crimes on K-12 campuses in states with anti-trans policies. Enumerating sexual orientation and gender identity within Title IX’s scope can help bridge the trust gap and ensure more effective reporting and handling of harassment cases.
The updated Title IX regulations are expected to have a far-reaching impact, not only improving the school climate for LGBTQ+ students but also encouraging states and local officials to uphold federal civil rights protections.
For more information about the Title IX regulations and how you can take action to support LGBTQ+ students, please visit glsen.org/title-ix.
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ABOUT GLSEN
GLSEN, the nation’s largest advocate for LGBTQ+ issues in K-12 education, has been dedicated to establishing inclusive schools and learning environments for over 34 years. Amidst increasing threats against LGBTQ+ youth nationwide, GLSEN actively addresses harassment and discrimination by empowering educators, advocating for policy changes, and combating book bans through its Rainbow Library Program, which provides LGBTQ+ affirming literature to over 6 million students across 30 states.
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