The revisions to Title IX regulations were released on Friday and it faced quite the backlash. Former Fox News Host, Megyn Kelly strongly condemned President Joe Biden’s revision of the regulations and labeled it an “abomination” while demanding for his removal from office.
Shortly after its release, she took to X (formerly Twitter) and wrote, “DO NOT EVER LET ANY DEMOCRAT TELL YOU THEY CARE ABOUT WOMEN’S RIGHTS EVER AGAIN IF THEY DO NOT STAND UP TO THIS ABOMINATION OF A TITLE IX REVISION. These regs are a nuclear-level attack on women’s rights and men’s due process rights. JOE BIDEN MUST GO.”
What Is Title IX?
Here’s what Title IX is all about, it’s the most commonly used name for the landmark federal civil rights law that was introduced as part of the Education Amendments of 1972.
It is a federal law in the United States that outlaws discrimination on the basis of sex in any educational program or activity that receives federal funding. While it is often associated with promoting gender equality in sports, it also covers issues like sexual harassment and assault on campus.
How Did It Come About?
Senator Birch Bayh wrote the 37 words of Title IX. He first introduced an amendment to the Higher Education Act to ban discrimination based on sex on August 6, 1971. There was another amendment on February 28, 1972, when it passed the Senate.
Representative Edith Green, who led the Subcommittee on Education, conducted hearings on discrimination against women. She introduced legislation in the House on May 11, 1972. The entire Congress passed Title IX on June 8, 1972.
What Revisions Were Made To Title IX?
The amended version of Title IX was released on Friday and it gave more protection to LGBTQ+ students, a bone of contention for Republicans.
While the first version of the law introduced back in 1972 didn’t give much detail on this aspect, the updated version clearly states that Title X bans any sort of discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.
What To Expect From The Changes?
What this means is that LGBTQ+ students facing discrimination can expect their schools to tackle the problem under Title IX. If they fail to, they can look to the federal government instead.
Another major change introduced by the Biden administration was the U-turn made to a provision that made in-person hearings for students accused of sexual misconduct mandatory.
More Effects Of The Amendment
Under the revised laws, such hearings are still permitted but no longer mandatory. It also puts measures in place to check the credibility of all parties involved more effectively.
Ahead of the announcement, Jennifer Klein, the director of the White House Gender Policy Council, said the new rules seek to “restore and strengthen vital protections that were weakened by the prior administration while reaffirming our longstanding commitment to fundamental fairness.”
Trump Administration’s Version Of Title IX
The Trump Administration’s version of Title IX was a very long and elaborate document of up to 2,033 pages—much longer than previous versions with the Obama Administration having a mere 53-page iteration.
Because of how complex Trump’s policy was, it was difficult for students to understand and exercise their rights under Title IX.
Biden Administration Widens The Scope Of Title IX
Under Trump, sexual harassment was redefined and limited to actions that are “severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive.” With the new rules, the Biden administration expanded its scope, meaning more complaints could warrant school investigations.
Compared to previous editions, the new one also extended the interpretation of Title XI to cover pregnant, gay, and transgender students. Also, failure to use pronouns that correspond to a student’s gender identity may now be considered a violation of Title IX.
Biden Fulfils Campaign Promise
The amendments are part of a revised Title IX regulation issued by the Education Department, thus fulfilling a promise made by President Biden during his campaign.
This overturns rules set by former Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, who added protections for students accused of sexual misconduct.
No Mention Of Transgender Athletes
Notably missing from Biden’s amendments though is any mention of transgender athletes. The administration had initially planned to place a ban on schools from outrightly prohibiting transgender athletes, but this was delayed.
Many believe the delay is another political move, especially in an election year when Republicans are supporting bans on transgender athletes taking part in girls’ sports.
Biden Administration’s Title IX Revision Comes In For Criticism
Riley Gaines, who hosts the ‘Gaines for Girls’ podcast, and the Independent Women’s Forum (IWF) have strongly opposed Biden’s Title IX revision.
Gaines claimed that the Biden Administration has written off decades of progress in women’s rights and equal opportunities, especially in education and athletics. The IWF has criticized the decision, saying it stripped women of their protections.
Title IX Under Fire: Riley Gaines Speaks Out
“The president and his administration can’t act like they care about women or our opportunities and then go and wipe out women’s protections under the country’s landmark equality law,” said Gaines in her OutKick podcast.
She recounted witnessing the law being undermined when female athletes, including herself, were silenced after a male swimmer claimed victory in the women’s division, depriving female athletes of recognition and opportunities to compete.
Republican Rep Virginia Foxx Voices Concerns Over Title IX Revision
Republican Rep Virginia Foxx, chairwoman of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce also echoed Gaine’s words, stating that the new regulation threatens decades of advancement for women and girls.
“This final rule dumps kerosene on the already raging fire that is Democrats’ contemptuous culture war that aims to racially redefine and gender.”
Internet Reactions To Megyn Kelly’s Comments On Title IX Revision
One user wrote on X, “Democrats have effectively thrown women under the bus,” and another said, “How come we never see a female trans athlete asking to participate in men’s sports? We all know the answer. Women are no longer women, they are just birthing people.”
Someone else noted, “My daughters played division 1 tennis. So glad they are graduated. This world is nuts,” while an individual shared, “Protect women, protect women’s spaces, protect women’s sports. Title 9 is essential to the protection of women and our well-being. Don’t let men dressed up as women physically harm us.”
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