“You are using non-discrimination laws in an illegal and unconstitutional way, and if this hits my kids’ school, we will file a lawsuit.”
This is merely a sample of the negative comments from parents displayed on the Federal Register in response to President Joe Biden’s proposed Title IX changes.
The regulations would protect LGBTQ students and those who are pregnant from discrimination. It would also alter how sexual assault and harassment in a public school setting are reported and punished.
Over 210,500 comments were submitted over two months, reflecting a variety of opinions. Several lawmakers, political groups, parents and education associations publicly expressed their thoughts on the controversial proposal.
For example, the School Superintendents Association (AASA) said its “deeply concerned” about whether districts will adhere to such a regulation.
“As we reflect on yet another regulatory framework for Title IX in a span of less than 3 years, we are deeply concerned by the expansiveness of the new regulation and the unfunded mandates it places on districts to comply with the revised regulations,” the organization said in its comment.
One commenter described the mandate as illegal and invasive: “This proposed rule is a lawless interpretation and is a complete overreach by the Department of Education,” the comment reads. “Like it or not, there are only TWO GENDERS – MALE AND FEMALE! GET OVER IT!!!!!”
Forcing girls to share traditionally private spaces with the opposite sex, according to one individual, is an insult to young women.
“Please don’t play God and redefine sex,” she writes. “This proposed rule forces young girls to share intimate spaces with biological males. As students are still recovering from the aftermath of the pandemic and are falling behind in basic academics, the last thing they should face in their schools is sexualized curriculum that serves a particular political agenda. America’s girls deserve better. I urge you to rescind this rule.”
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However, not every comment portrays the proposed regulations in a negative light. Others praise the work the ED is doing to protect the rights and freedoms of every student.
“I am writing in support of the redefinition of the term “sex” in Title IX,” one commenter from Glen Allen, Virginia writes. “Expanding this term to include transgender citizens will protect them from educational discrimination and allow them access to single-sex spaces that align with their correct gender identity. Transgender students are not predatory or deluded, they are normal children who deserve to feel accepted like any other youth.”
Another commenter said the proposed expansion is a step in the right direction, and the current Title IX regulations are outdated.
“As our understanding of sex and gender continue to develop as people shed the shame of ignorance and hatred,” the comment reads. “We must look towards true progress and respect for others, which includes evolving important parameters. It is the role of the Department of Education to guarantee the protection of all individuals from sex discrimination.”
Public commenting closed on September 12.
