The Supreme Court recently made a decision to reject a request from the Biden administration to implement certain aspects of a new federal rule aimed at safeguarding LGBTQ+ and pregnant students from discrimination in 10 states where the rule had been put on hold by federal judges.
In an unsigned order, the court announced its ruling, which prompted a partial dissent from the court's three liberal justices and conservative Justice Neil Gorsuch.
This development represents a setback for the Biden administration, as federal courts have been blocking the rule designed to protect transgender students. Approximately half of the nation is currently affected by the blockage of this rule.
The comprehensive rule, issued in April, clarified that Title IX's prohibition of 'sex' discrimination in schools extends to discrimination based on gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy or related conditions. The rule also includes provisions regarding protections for pregnant and postpartum students, such as access to lactation spaces and safeguards against retaliation. Schools that receive federal aid are required to comply with Title IX, which was established in 1972.
As a result of the Supreme Court's order, the entire new rule will remain on hold in Tennessee, Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana, Virginia, West Virginia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Montana, and Idaho. Additionally, the rule is blocked in 16 other states due to separate legal challenges.
