Federal Judge Blocks Title IX Expansion in 14 States

A federal judge in Kansas, John Broomes, has blocked the Biden administration’s Title IX expansion, which aims to include gender identity under anti-discrimination protections, in Alaska, Kansas, Utah, and Wyoming. This decision follows similar rulings in other states, bringing the total to 14 states with such blocks. Broomes, a Trump appointee, ruled that the Department of Education lacks the authority to reinterpret 'sex' under Title IX to include gender identity, arguing it undermines protections for biological women. The injunction also extends to schools attended by members of conservative groups involved in the lawsuit, potentially affecting thousands of schools. Critics argue the rule threatens the privacy and safety of women and girls in facilities like locker rooms and bathrooms, while proponents see it as essential for protecting LGBTQ+ students from discrimination.