Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida has unequivocally stated that the state will not adhere to the Biden administration’s recent amendments to Title IX, which extend protections to transgender students. The changes, set to take effect in early August, have sparked significant controversy, with DeSantis voicing strong resistance. “Florida rejects [President Biden’s] attempt to rewrite Title IX,” DeSantis declared, emphasizing his commitment to battling the revisions. His rejection reflects a broader resistance among several states to federal policy changes regarding sex and gender identity in schools.
The revised Title IX rules, announced by the U.S. Department of Education, are designed to build upon the legacy of the original statute by ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for all students, irrespective of their gender identity. Education Secretary Miguel Cardona stated that the regulations aim to uphold the rights of all students in federally funded educational programs.
However, DeSantis and others argue that these changes undermine parental rights and the constitutional authority of states. “We are not gonna let Joe Biden try to inject men into women’s activities,” DeSantis continued, highlighting a concern that the modifications may allow individuals assigned male at birth to participate in women’s sports. He expressed concerns that the revisions would also undermine the rights of parents and abuse constitutional authority.
In a memo shared with The Hill, Florida’s Commissioner of Education, Manny Diaz Jr., informed school leaders of the state’s intention to resist the Title IX updates. Diaz criticized the federal government’s approach, accusing it of distorting the statute to such a degree that it disregards the significance of biological sex.
Florida’s stance reflects a growing movement among some states to push back against what they perceive as federal overreach. South Carolina and Louisiana have also signaled their intention to resist the new Title IX regulations. Ellen Weaver, South Carolina’s Superintendent of Education, called the changes “deeply troubling” and anticipated that the rules would face legal challenges and potentially be struck down or modified.
These developments come amidst broader debates over gender identity and education in the United States. Florida previously attracted criticism from LGBTQ advocacy groups for legislation, like the so-called Don’t Say Gay law, which limits discussions about LGBTQ topics in schools. National groups such as the Human Rights Campaign have issued advisories against traveling to Florida, citing a risk to the health and safety of visitors due to the state’s policies.
Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody has indicated that the state will challenge the Biden administration’s new rules in court, arguing that they undermine protections for women. Additionally, advocacy groups such as Moms for Liberty are urging states to take legal action to safeguard parental rights, which they believe are threatened by the revised Title IX regulations.
Relevant articles:
– DeSantis: Florida ‘will not comply’ with new Biden Title IX rules, thehill.com, 04/26/2024
– DeSantis: Florida ‘will not comply’ with new Biden Title IX rules, ABC27, Thu, 25 Apr 2024 17:00:57 GMT
– Florida, South Carolina, and Louisiana to resist Title IX over redefinition of sex, Washington Examiner, Fri, 26 Apr 2024 00:51:07 GMT
– Florida leaders react to Biden’s Title IX change: ‘We will not comply.’, Florida’s Voice, Thu, 25 Apr 2024 18:13:00 GMT