New Title IX Rules Face Legal Challenges

The Biden administration's new Title IX regulations, which prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and pregnancy, went into effect in 24 states on Thursday. However, legal challenges have blocked the enforcement of these rules in 26 states, creating a patchwork of compliance across the country. The regulations aim to protect LGBTQ+ and pregnant students but face significant opposition from conservative groups and states. The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals recently granted an injunction for several southern states, further complicating the nationwide implementation. The new rules replace Trump-era regulations that were considered more favorable to the accused in sexual misconduct cases. The Education Department's Office of Civil Rights will enforce the rules in states without ongoing litigation, while other states will adhere to the previous regulations.