A federal judge in Louisiana has temporarily blocked the Biden administration's new Title IX rule, which sought to expand protections for LGBTQ+ students. The injunction, issued by U.S. District Judge Terry A. Doughty, specifically impacts Louisiana, Mississippi, Montana, and Idaho.
Judge Doughty, appointed by former President Donald Trump, described the rule as an "abuse of power" and a "threat to democracy." The judge suggested that the rule overstepped the authority of the Education Department and likely violated free speech laws by mandating the use of requested pronouns.
The contested Title IX rule, slated to be implemented in August, aimed to broaden civil rights protections for LGBTQ+ students, redefine sexual harassment, and provide additional safeguards for victims. The Louisiana lawsuit argued that the rule could impose significant financial burdens on schools and contravene state laws that require individuals to use bathrooms corresponding to their sex assigned at birth.
Doughty's ruling marks a significant setback for the Biden administration's efforts to enhance protections for LGBTQ+ students. The judge's decision is the first to block the rule, but similar cases are being considered by courts in six other states. The Defense of Freedom Institute supported the Louisiana lawsuit and welcomed the ruling.
In response, the Education Department defended the rule and announced plans to review the court order. The agency reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding student rights under Title IX. This latest development comes after President Biden dismantled a previous Title IX rule by Trump-era Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, which had narrowed the definition of sexual harassment and included protections for students accused of misconduct.