Archive · 29 Sep 2026
Trump Reverses Biden-Era Title IX Protections for Transgender Students
Title IX is a law from 1972 that bars sex discrimination in federally funded schools.
The Biden administration changed its rules in 2024 to include gender identity and sexual orientation.
The Trump administration has now removed those changes and restored the 2020 rules.
Under the restored interpretation, “sex” means biological sex, male or female.
This allows schools to separate some bathrooms, locker rooms, and sports teams by biological sex.
The administration has investigated schools and sports groups that let transgender girls or women participate in female sports or use female facilities.
The rules for sexual harassment cases also now require live hearings and questioning of witnesses.
Supporters say the change protects girls’ and women’s privacy and opportunities.
Opponents say it removes protections and may make transgender students more vulnerable to discrimination.
The Trump administration removed the Biden administration’s 2024 Title IX rule and restored the 2020 version.
The restored interpretation defines “sex” as biological sex—male or female—rather than gender identity or sexual orientation.
Schools may again restrict bathrooms, locker rooms, and sports teams based on biological sex under the administration’s interpretation.
Sexual harassment proceedings will require live hearings and opportunities for both sides to question witnesses.
Supporters say the reversal protects women’s privacy and athletic opportunities, while opponents say it removes safeguards for transgender students.
- Who
- The Trump administration, led in this matter by Education Secretary Linda McMahon, reversed the Biden administration’s Title IX rule.
- What
- The administration removed the 2024 Title IX regulations and restored the 2020 version, including its biological-sex interpretation.
- When
- The reversal was announced Monday, after the Biden-era rule had been issued in 2024.
- Where
- The change applies to federally funded schools and affects school facilities, sports, and sexual-harassment proceedings.
- Why
- The administration said it was restoring court orders and Congressional intent, while supporters said it protects women’s privacy and athletic opportunities.
Supporters of the Reversal
Opponents of the Reversal
Women’s sports and privacy
Supporters of the Reversal
Supporters say biological-sex categories protect women’s and girls’ athletic opportunities and privacy in bathrooms, locker rooms, and sports.
Opponents of the Reversal
Opponents say allowing the reversal removes protections for transgender students and can expose them to discrimination.
Meaning of Title IX
Supporters of the Reversal
Supporters say the original purpose of Title IX was to protect female opportunities and that the reversal restores common-sense language.
Opponents of the Reversal
Democratic lawmakers and LGBTQ+ advocacy groups say the administration is rescinding protections instead of enforcing them for all students.
Clarity and enforcement
Supporters of the Reversal
The administration says the restored rules reduce confusion and reflect court orders and Congressional intent.
Opponents of the Reversal
Critics previously argued that the Biden-era rule was vague, while opponents of the reversal warn that removing its protections harms transgender students.
- Law
- Title IX, passed in 1972, prohibits sex discrimination in federally funded schools.
- Restored rule
- The Trump administration restored the 2020 version of Title IX.
- Definition of sex
- The current interpretation defines sex as biological sex: male or female.
- Affected areas
- Bathrooms, locker rooms, sports teams, and sexual-harassment proceedings are affected.
- Sexual-harassment procedures
- Schools must provide live hearings and allow both sides to question witnesses.
- Enforcement
- The Education Department and Justice Department are working through a special Title IX investigations team.
- Legal context
- Several courts blocked or struck down the Biden-era rule.