A federal judge in Kentucky has ruled against a key Biden administration policy designed to protect transgender students from discrimination in schools and colleges, stating that it conflicts with existing federal law. U.S. District Judge Danny Reeves, in a decision issued Thursday, agreed with six Republican-led states that the rule oversteps the bounds of Title IX, the landmark civil rights law that prohibits discrimination based on sex in federally funded educational institutions.
Title IX, which was passed in 1972, ensures that no one is discriminated against on the basis of sex in educational programs. In his ruling, Judge Reeves argued that expanding the definition of “sex” to include “gender identity” distorts the intent of the law. He stated that allowing transgender students to use facilities that align with their gender identity, such as restrooms and locker rooms, could create confusion and contradict the law’s original framework.
The ruling also addressed concerns over First Amendment rights, noting that the rule could compel educators to use gender-specific pronouns contrary to their religious beliefs or personal convictions, infringing on their freedom of speech and religious expression.
The U.S. Department of Education and the U.S. Department of Justice have not yet commented on the decision, which follows a temporary block issued earlier this year against the rule in six states, including Tennessee. Legal challenges to the policy have been widespread, with several other judges temporarily blocking the rule in 20 states. Notably, the U.S. Supreme Court in August declined to allow parts of the rule to be enforced while appeals are pending.
The decision marks the first permanent strike against the Biden administration’s directive, which had been a key element of its efforts to expand protections for transgender people, particularly in the realm of education. Legal advocates for transgender rights are likely to appeal the ruling, which has sparked debates over the balance between gender rights and religious freedoms.
Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti hailed the ruling as a victory for women and girls across the nation, arguing that the Biden administration’s policies were pushing a “radical gender ideology” through illegal and unconstitutional measures.
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