Senator Murray Statement on Biden Admin’s Final Title IX Rule to Protect Students

Press Release

“This is a huge step forward for students, survivors, and everyone who understands the paramount importance of making sure schools are free from all forms of sex-based discrimination and harassment. After Donald Trump and Betsy DeVos took an axe to the Title IX rule and went out of their way to gut enforcement of protections for survivors of sexual assault, the Biden administration’s rule will restore and strengthen essential protections for survivors and make sure schools don’t get away with silencing students and sweeping sexual assault under the rug. At a time when we’re seeing an alarming rise in violence against transgender people, this rule explicitly clarifies that Title IX protects LGBTQ+ students and employees from unfair treatment and discrimination.

“Critically, this rule explains students’ privacy protections under Title IX and their right not to be discriminated against because of pregnancy or a related condition—which is incredibly important at a moment where women in 21 states are living under Republican abortion bans, and Republican lawmakers everywhere are intent on criminalizing and targeting women for their decisions about their reproductive health.

“This rule delivers tremendous progress, but I remain steadfast in urging the Department of Education to continue its work to clarify protections for trans student athletes—trans youth deserve to play sports with their friends just like anyone else.

“The Biden administration’s new rule is a victory for women and girls, the LGBTQ+ community, and students everywhere—college campuses and schools will be more fair, safer, and more transparent thanks to the leadership of the Biden administration.”

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