Governor Brad Little of Idaho has issued an executive order pushing back against the Biden administration's latest changes to Title IX, particularly its expanded protections for LGBTQ+ students. Across the country, these new rules have sparked confusion and outrage regarding how schools handle allegations of sexual misconduct and gender discrimination. Other states have passed laws and filed lawsuits that oppose new Biden rules, but this is the first instance of an executive order directly challenging its implementation in a state.

Title IX allegations typically involve claims of sexual misconduct, harassment, or gender discrimination in schools, but as Title IX rules continue to shift, students may face unfair treatment. Now more than ever, it's apparent that students facing Title IX allegations must have experienced legal representation to secure the best outcome possible.

The Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team understands how confusing it can be to deal with serious accusations when even the country's leaders can't seem to agree on the rules. If you or your child needs help, don't delay reaching out. Call today at (888) 535-3686 or fill out our confidential website form to speak with our team.

How Idaho Is Challenging The Current Paradigm

While many states have relied on lawsuits and temporary injunctions to challenge the new federal rules, Idaho has taken a more direct approach with Governor Brad Little's most recent order. In 2020, Idaho passed the Fairness in Women's Sports Act, which bans transgender students from participating in sports teams that align with their gender identity. After Idaho, 26 other states followed suit with similar legislation. Still, Little is currently the first and only Governor to use an executive order to reinforce legislation.

Idaho's executive order is a clear indication of the growing divide between federal and state interpretations of the law for students facing disciplinary actions under the revised Title IX regulations. The Lento Law Firm is dedicating time and resources to staying up-to-date with these changes, and we are your perfect partner when accusations come your way.

Even More Uncertainty in Title IX Enforcement

With Idaho enforcing state-specific rules and many other states battling the Biden administration in court, students across the country could face disciplinary proceedings under conflicting guidelines. Schools are often caught between a rock and a hard place, forced to somehow adhere to state laws, which may prioritize protections for female athletes, and comply with federal mandates that include broader protections for LGBTQ+ students. No matter the cause of confusion, students should not be the ones who suffer the consequences.

Title IX processes are already stressful enough without these added concerns. Rather than a traditional courtroom setting, schools conduct their own investigations. Law enforcement officials and judges don't collect and weigh evidence. Instead, it's school administrators and faculty members. Students often sit for hearings where a panel—made up of school officials or other students—determines an outcome that may be full of bias. And unlike criminal trials, schools typically use a "preponderance of evidence" standard, meaning a 51% likelihood is good enough to change an accused's life.

The Lento Law Firm Can Help As Title IX Legislation is Rapidly Changing

There are few things more detrimental to a student's future prospects than allegations of sexual misconduct. At the Lento Law Firm, we believe every student deserves a robust defense against Title IX allegations, especially when students are on the back foot due to recent state and federal law changes.

Call our Student Defense Team today at (888) 535-3686 or contact us through our website to get started on your defense.