The recent shifts in Title IX took effect on Aug. 1, inciting a lawsuit from Moms For Liberty that may affect North Attleborough schools.
The Biden administration’s changes aim to expand Title IX’s protections to include sexual orientation and gender identity. These updates reinstitute protections for survivors of sexual harassment and assault, which had been rolled back during the Trump administration. The final regulations clarify that schools must respond effectively to all forms of sex discrimination, and offer clearer guidance on how to ensure equal treatment for all students, including transgender individuals.
However, this regulatory shift has faced strong opposition from conservative groups such as Moms for Liberty (MFL) and Young America’s Foundation (YAF), who filed a lawsuit in May. The suit argues that the changes undermine Title IX’s original intent, which they claim is to protect sex-segregated spaces like bathrooms and locker rooms, and afford equal opportunities for girls and boys in schools. They contend that the Biden administration’s interpretation forces students to affirm ideologies surrounding gender identity that conflict with their beliefs and infringes on First Amendment rights.
Co-founders of Moms for Liberty released an official comment stating, “Gender ideology does not belong in public schools and we are glad the courts made the correct call to support parental rights. We will always stand up for the rights of parents and the protection of children. All parents must have their voices heard and their right to raise their own children is part of the very fabric of a free America. The federal government has no right to claim our children as their own or to push parents out of the classroom.”
The new Title IX rules do not mandate students change restrooms or sports teams based on gender identity. The changes aim to protect transgender students from discrimination, but they do not force others to alter their behavior. Rather, the Title IX preamble notes it addresses discrimination on the basis of sex in education programs or activities that receive federal financial assistance. The Congressional Research Service explained, “Sex-separated bathrooms and locker rooms are… contexts in which sex separation is generally permissible.”
The lawsuit covers any schools with MFL members, which may include North Attleborough schools. Superintendent John Antonucci said, “While we have not received any official notice…North Attleborough Public Schools is committed to fostering a supportive environment that promotes learning for all our students. We prioritize inclusivity and ensure compliance with all state and federal Title IX guidelines, creating a safe and nurturing space where every student can thrive.”
As the legal challenge led by Moms for Liberty unfolds, schools across the country, including those in North Attleborough, may find themselves at the heart of this national debate over Title IX’s evolving protections. While local officials emphasize their commitment to inclusivity and compliance with federal guidelines, the outcome of the lawsuit could have significant implications for how schools address discrimination and gender identity issues moving forward.
