A recent Texas court ruling sets a precedent for Title IX protections based on gender identity and sexual orientation. Texas was one of nine states that filed lawsuits in response to the Biden administration's update to the “biological sex” section of Title IX.

For students who enjoyed protections under the amended law, it's only natural to worry what might happen next. The change to the law seeks to fix inequities that occur in the education environment, particularly when it comes to sports. Some fear that the ruling may leave students vulnerable to discrimination.

If the ruling affects you or a student in your life, the Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team can help. We regularly work with students facing discrimination, whether they're protected by Title IX or not. If you're impacted by Title IX discrimination on the basis of gender identity or sexual orientation, reach out to find out how we can help. Call us at us at 888-535-3686 or complete our online form.

Title IX and Student Discrimination

Title IX is part of the Education Amendments of 1972, which sought to ensure equality for male and female students. The amendment states that no person in the U.S. should be excluded from any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance on the basis of sex.

During his administration, Biden has expanded the law to also forbid discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. Throughout the process, the Biden administration faced opposition from a variety of sources, including women's groups. Soon after, nine states filed lawsuits. Those states are:

• Alabama
• Florida
• Georgia
• Idaho
• Louisiana
• Mississippi
• Montana
• South Carolina
• Texas

Texas is the first state to get a ruling in its lawsuit. The fact that the court ruled against the amendment is particularly notable since it sets a precedent for other judges who will decide on the matter.

What This Means for You

If you live in Texas, the ruling allows schools to ignore the expansion of Title IX if they choose. That means gender identity and sexual orientation are no longer protected. This puts students at risk of being excluded from activities, especially sports, where gender lines have long been firmly in place.

Even if you don't live in Texas, though, you could be affected. The eight other states that filed lawsuits could see the expansion overturned, eliminating any protections you now have. But if these lawsuits continue to be successful, it's possible other states will follow, putting even more students at risk.

Although a court has ruled against the amendment, Texas residents still have rights. The same goes for other states that might follow the same route. The Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team has experience with Title IX cases and can take a look at your situation and let you know how best to proceed.

If you need help navigating education-related discrimination in any form, the Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team can help. Give us a call at 888-535-3686 or give us some information about your situation using our confidential online form, and we'll be in touch.