Idaho Gov. Little Signs Order Against Title IX Rule

Idaho Governor Brad Little has signed an executive order opposing the Biden administration's updated Title IX regulations, which include protections for LGBTQ+ students, particularly transgender athletes. The order, named the 'Defending Women's Sports Act', asserts that the redefinition of gender threatens to undermine protections for female athletes and mandates the Idaho State Board of Education to ensure adherence to state laws regarding women's sports. Little emphasized the importance of providing equal opportunities for female students in sports and education, stating the governor's office aims to maintain a 'level playing field'. This executive order follows Idaho's previous legislation, which banned transgender athletes from competing in women's sports, a law currently blocked by the courts. The Biden administration's Title IX revisions have faced opposition in 26 states, and the legal landscape continues to evolve as various lawsuits challenge these federal changes. The order showcases the ongoing national debate over transgender rights in sports and education.