A federal judge in Louisiana has temporarily stopped the Biden administration’s new Title IX rule, which aimed to increase protections for LGBTQ+ students. The judge, Terry A. Doughty, issued a preliminary injunction on Thursday, criticizing the rule as an “abuse of power” and a threat to democracy. The injunction applies to Louisiana, Mississippi, Montana, and Idaho, which had challenged the rule in court.
The Education Department, which supports the rule, is reviewing the judge’s decision. They reaffirmed their commitment to the regulations released in April 2024, which extend civil rights protections under Title IX to LGBTQ+ students, redefine sexual harassment in educational settings, and introduce safeguards for victims.
Joe Biden plans to eliminate students loans (Via David Southee/Getty Images)
Several Republican-led states, including Louisiana, have filed lawsuits against the Biden administration’s rule, arguing that it conflicts with state laws mandating the use of facilities based on sex assigned at birth, thereby limiting transgender students’ rights.
Judge Doughty, appointed by former President Donald Trump, blocked the rule on grounds that it could impose significant financial burdens on schools and potentially infringe on free speech rights by requiring adherence to students’ preferred pronouns. He also questioned the administration’s authority to expand Title IX protections to LGBTQ+ individuals.
