The Department of Education on Friday withdrew a proposed rule that would have stopped schools from banning transgender athletes from joining teams that match their gender identities.
The decision to withdraw this rulemaking was submitted to the Federal Register on the same day the Biden administration also withdrew efforts targeting student loan forgiveness.
The decision halts a rule introduced in April 2023 that invited public comment on how Title IX—the landmark federal law banning sex discrimination in education—should address issues of gender identity in sports.
According to the administration, the proposed rule generated over 150,000 public comments, ranging from outright opposition to suggestions for modifications. Additionally, ongoing lawsuits challenging the interpretation of Title IX in cases involving gender identity and sports influenced the decision to step back.
The administration noted in its filing that it chose “not to regulate on this issue at this time,” citing the complexity of the comments and the unresolved legal battles.
While the rule was designed to provide flexibility for schools to limit transgender athletes’ participation in cases of “fairness in competition” or injury risk, critics argued it didn’t go far enough to protect women’s sports. Others said it was an important step for the inclusion of people who identify as transgender.
Ultimately, the administration concluded, “We do not intend for a final rule to be issued.”
The administration also said on Friday that it is withdrawing efforts to implement two student loan forgiveness plans.
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