September 30, 2026 - WASHINGTON — On Monday, the U.S. Department of Education rescinded a 2024 regulation governing schools’ obligations to guarantee that all students, including survivors of sexual harassment, LGBTQ students, and pregnant and parenting students, have full and equal access to educational opportunities regardless of sex.

In response to this news, Louise Melling, ACLU deputy legal director, had the following reaction:

“All students have the right to an equal opportunity to learn in school without being discriminated against on the basis of sex or sex stereotypes, regardless of their gender identity, sexual orientation, or pregnant or parenting status. Title IX should be a shield against discrimination; instead, this administration has treated it like a sword to weaponize against our most vulnerable students.

“The Department’s action also rolls back important provisions requiring schools to address reports of sexual harassment promptly and effectively. The ACLU supports procedural protections in school disciplinary hearings, and today’s action restores some fair processes while also failing to include certain safeguards to protect students who report sexual harassment or assault and students who face discipline based on those reports. The ACLU remains committed to ensuring schools are doing everything in their power to safeguard students from sexual harassment and violence and ensuring fair process in school disciplinary proceedings.”

The ACLU’s statement on the 2024 Title IX rule can be found here.

The ACLU’s statement on the 2020 Title IX rule can be found here.

Source: ACLU