Dept. of Education Withdraws Controversial Title IX Proposal for Trans Athletes

The Biden administration, on Friday, quietly withdrew a contentious proposal that would have prohibited schools from banning transgender athletes from participating in sports teams aligned with their gender identity.

As reported by GOPUSA, this decision, submitted to the Federal Register, coincided with the administration’s retreat on two student loan forgiveness plans, signaling a significant shift in its policy priorities.

The now-abandoned rule, first introduced in April 2023, aimed to address gender identity in school sports under Title IX—a federal law prohibiting sex discrimination in education.

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The proposal sparked widespread controversy, drawing over 150,000 public comments, from firm opposition to recommendations for changes. Legal battles challenging Title IX’s application to gender identity issues also played a role in the decision to scrap the rule.

The administration claimed it chose “not to regulate on this issue at this time” due to the complexity of public feedback and ongoing legal uncertainties.

While the rule sought to balance inclusion with provisions allowing schools to limit transgender participation for reasons of “fairness in competition” or safety concerns, critics from both sides found fault.

Conservatives argued the measure didn’t sufficiently protect women’s sports, while left-leaning advocates praised it as a step toward inclusion.

By concluding, “We do not intend for a final rule to be issued,” the administration effectively halted progress on the controversial policy.

Conservative leaders were quick to denounce the move. Karoline Leavitt, spokesperson for President-elect Donald Trump, accused the administration of creating unnecessary hurdles for future leadership.

“President Trump will not be deterred by their dirty tricks and will use every lever of power to reverse the damage Biden has done and implement his America First agenda,” Leavitt declared.

Legal experts noted that the withdrawal reflects broader challenges in federal rulemaking. Kate Shaw, a scholar and former Obama administration official, explained, “If you haven’t started it early enough, you’re not going to be able to wrap it up.”

Her remarks highlight the difficulty of finalizing regulations before an administration’s term ends.

The battle over transgender athletes in youth sports remains a highly divisive issue in U.S. politics. Republicans have prioritized defending women’s sports, with many opposing the inclusion of biological males in competitions meant for females.

Trump has vowed to take aggressive action, promising stricter rules on transgender participation and protections for women’s athletics.

This latest retreat adds to a growing list of controversies tied to the administration’s approach to gender identity and education, further galvanizing conservative efforts to safeguard opportunities for women and girls in sports.