The Supreme Court has rejected a request from the Biden administration to enforce a new federal rule aimed at protecting LGBTQ+ and pregnant students from discrimination in 10 states where the rule was put on hold by federal judges. The court’s decision, outlined in an unsigned order, was met with partial dissent from the court’s liberal justices and conservative Justice Neil Gorsuch. This denial represents the latest setback for the Biden administration, which has faced numerous obstacles in implementing the rule nationwide.
The Biden administration’s new rule, issued in April, clarified that Title IX’s prohibition of sex discrimination in schools also encompasses discrimination based on gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy-related conditions. The rule includes provisions to protect pregnant and postpartum students, such as access to lactation spaces and prohibitions on retaliation. Compliance with Title IX, a law from 1972, is mandatory for schools that receive federal funding. However, due to federal judges blocking the rule in various states, the administration has faced challenges in fully implementing these protections for students.
As a result of the Supreme Court’s decision, the entire new rule will remain on hold in 10 states, including Tennessee, Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana, Virginia, West Virginia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Montana, and Idaho. Additionally, the rule is blocked in an additional 16 states as part of separate lawsuits. This ongoing legal battle has implications for LGBTQ+ and pregnant students across the country who are seeking protection from discrimination in educational settings. The administration’s efforts to safeguard these students’ rights continue to face obstacles on a national scale.
The court’s order reflects the contentious nature of the debate surrounding LGBTQ+ and pregnant students’ rights in school settings. While the Biden administration has sought to expand protections and inclusivity for these marginalized groups, legal challenges and court decisions have hindered these efforts. The ongoing legal battle underscores the complexity and importance of addressing discrimination based on gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy within the educational system. The Supreme Court’s decision to maintain the hold on the new rule highlights the challenges faced by advocates and policymakers in advancing equal rights for all students.
As this story continues to develop, it is clear that the protection of LGBTQ+ and pregnant students in educational settings remains a key issue for the Biden administration and advocates for equality. The legal battles in various states have implications for the enforcement of federal rules and the interpretation of Title IX protections for these vulnerable populations. The Supreme Court’s order to uphold the hold on the new rule in 10 states signals ongoing legal challenges and complexities in implementing comprehensive protections for LGBTQ+ and pregnant students nationwide. The administration’s commitment to upholding these rights amidst legal setbacks demonstrates the ongoing struggle for equal treatment and inclusivity in schools across the country.
