As I sit down to process the recent news coming out of my beloved state of Texas, I can’t help but feel a deep sense of disappointment and frustration. It’s disheartening to see Governor Greg Abbott and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton leading the charge in a lawsuit against the Biden administration’s new Title IX guidelines that protect LGBTQ+ students from discrimination in education.
The fact that Governor Abbott has ordered schools in Texas to ignore these new rules is not just unacceptable, it’s downright cruel. How can we, as a society, allow our leaders to actively promote discrimination against a marginalized community?… Continue reading
I sit here, in the midst of the chaos, trying to make sense of it all. DeSantis, Florida’s very own cowboy, boldly declaring that the state “will not comply” with the new Biden Title IX rules. It’s a statement that reverberates with defiance, a challenge thrown down in the face of federal authority. But what does it truly mean for the people of Florida, for our students, our schools, our very way of life?
Title IX, a cornerstone of federal civil rights law, designed to protect against sex-based discrimination in education. It’s a vital safeguard, ensuring that all students have access to safe and inclusive learning environments.… Continue reading
As I read about the Biden administration’s decision to roll back the Betsy DeVos Title IX rules, a wave of relief washed over me. The regulations set forth during DeVos’ tenure were deeply troubling, as they narrowly defined sexual harassment and allowed for live hearings where the accused could cross-examine their accusers. This practice had the potential to discourage victims of sexual misconduct from coming forward, perpetuating a culture of fear and silence. President Biden’s promise to scrap these rules signals a step in the right direction towards creating a safer and more equitable educational environment.
The new rule proposed by the administration will protect students and employees from sex-based discrimination, including sexual violence and other forms of harassment.… Continue reading
As the Biden administration adds Title IX protections for LGBTQ students and assault victims, the implications of these changes are both nuanced and significant. One of the noteworthy aspects of this new interpretation is the inclusion of protections against discrimination based on gender identity, such as the use of correct pronouns corresponding to a student’s identity. This step forward in ensuring equality and respect for LGBTQ students is a positive development that aligns with the principles of inclusivity and support.
However, it is essential to recognize that some concerns have been raised regarding the potential impact of these changes. For instance, there are apprehensions about the enforcement of these regulations in schools, particularly related to the potential misuse of gender neutral language.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker