Title IX protections are being expanded to include discrimination on the basis of gender identity and sexual orientation, according to the Office of Civil Rights at the Department of Education. According to an article in The Dispatch, a broad coalition of groups is pushing back against the expansion. These groups include not just conservatives, but also women's advocacy groups and athletes.

Feminist Groups Who Oppose Title IX Expansion

The opposition to the expansion of Title IX is broad and growing. Many people feel that it “disenfranchises women” in several areas. Some feminist organizations are advocating for a Women's Bill of Rights proposed by Congress to preserve safety and privacy for women. The presence of people who are biologically male can present concerns on those fronts; there are fears that trans people could overpower and hurt women or that predatory men could use the system in order to gain an opportunity to assault women.

Athletes Who Oppose Title IX Expansion

There is also a concern that trans people who were biologically male at birth have an unfair advantage in sports, making it more difficult for female athletes to compete on a level playing field. Athletes have even filed lawsuits claiming that it is a violation of Title IX to allow trans women who are biologically male to compete in women's divisions in athletics. A biologically male body is inherently stronger than a female body, which creates a disparity among genders in sports competitions.

The expansion of Title IX to include protections for gay and trans students could also create potentially sensitive situations for athletes sharing locker rooms, which is an environment already ripe for allegations of sexual misconduct. The lack of privacy coupled with a competitive environment is a breeding ground for problems.

Protect Yourself and Others

Title IX violations can have serious, long-term consequences for students. You need to be aware of the rules in place and be cautious not to break them. Keep your language clean and free from anything that could be construed as hate speech toward gay or trans people, and never engage in physical misconduct. Respect the privacy of others, especially in sensitive environments like locker rooms.

What to Do if You Are Accused of Discrimination

If you are accused of discrimination under Title IX, we are here to help. Don't post on social media about the allegations, but do act quickly and get help. Remember that you have the right to representation and a defense. Attorney Joseph Lento is an expert on student discipline defense, and he can help you to recognize your rights, including due process, and ensure that those rights are being protected. Student defense is our specialty, so contact the Lento Law Firm by scheduling a consultation online or by calling 888-535-3686 today.