A federal judge's recent order has halted a Biden administration rule aimed at safeguarding LGBTQ+ students from discrimination, impacting numerous schools and colleges nationwide. The ruling by U.S. District Judge John Broomes, appointed by former President Donald Trump, has temporarily blocked enforcement of the rule in Kansas, Alaska, Utah, and Wyoming. The order extends to K-12 schools and colleges attended by children of certain groups opposing LGBTQ+ rights.
The rule, set to take effect in August under Title IX of the 1972 civil rights law, has faced legal challenges from Republican state attorneys general. Broomes' decision joins those of other judges in blocking enforcement in 15 states pending further legal proceedings.
Challengers of the rule, including Moms for Liberty, Young America’s Foundation, and Female Athletes United, submitted a list of over 400 K-12 schools and nearly 700 colleges in 47 states and the District of Columbia where enforcement would be halted. The groups cited concerns over privacy and safety in compiling the list.
Moms for Liberty sought a broader injunction, requesting the rule be blocked in counties where their members reside, potentially affecting major cities like Atlanta, Chicago, and New York City. The Biden administration argued against this, warning of a significant increase in the injunction's scope.
Broomes deemed the rule arbitrary and beyond federal officials' authority under Title IX, also citing violations of free speech and religious freedom. The administration has appealed the ruling, emphasizing the rule's exclusion of athletics and its importance in protecting LGBTQ+ youth.
Concerns persist over the impact of restrictions on transgender youth, with health care providers and advocates highlighting potential harm to mental health. Republicans have criticized the rule, alleging it could allow transgender individuals to participate in gender-specific sports teams, a contentious issue in several states.
The administration has raised concerns about potential expansion of the injunction's reach through online recruitment efforts by Moms for Liberty. Efforts are underway to clarify the ruling's application to new group members.
