Your Enduring Rights Under Title IX

You may have seen recent news about a federal court issuing an injunction related to US Department of Education Title IX rules and several actions by President Trump attempting to undermine the rights of transgender students.

Here’s what these developments mean for you here in New England.

What is Title IX?

Title IX is a landmark federal law passed in 1972. It prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in schools and education programs that receive federal funding. It has been and will continue to be vital to improving opportunities, fair treatment, and funding for girls and women. This law has also been instrumental in ensuring that all people, including LGBTQ+ students, have fair access to educational opportunities, regardless of their sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.

What happened to the 2024 Rules?

On August 1, 2024, new US Department of Education (DOE) rules went into effect. Among other things, the rules explained that Title IX protects LGBTQ+ students from discrimination and harassment and ensures that transgender students have access to bathrooms and changing rooms consistent with their gender identity. These rules did not “change” Title IX; rather, they explained protections afforded by the plain language of the statute and incorporated the U.S. Supreme Court’s interpretation of Title VII, a similar statute prohibiting sex discrimination in employment.

Twenty-six states, as well as several schools and anti-trans groups, filed lawsuits to stop the DOE from enforcing the 2024 Rules. On January 9, 2025, a federal court in one of these lawsuits blocked the 2024 Rules from going into effect nationwide. Although this order could be appealed, and other cases are ongoing, it is very likely that the new Trump administration will not defend the 2024 Rules, leaving them blocked.

What does that mean for me?

Just like the 2024 Rules did not “change” Title IX, the order blocking the 2024 Rules did not “change” Title IX either. Title IX still prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, which many courts have recognized to include discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. Title IX still requires schools to provide LGBTQ+ students with equal educational opportunities and still gives students and parents the ability to assert their rights to a discrimination-free school environment.

What does Trump’s Executive Order mean for my rights?

On January 20, 2025, President Trump signed an Executive Order attempting to make it the “policy of the United States to recognize two sexes” and intending to deny the rights of transgender people. He followed this with another order on January 29, 2025, threatening teachers who affirm and support students’ transgender identities. The clear purpose of these orders is to cause chaos, confusion, and fear. In the United States, Congress—not the President—writes laws, and the courts—not the President—interpret laws. The Executive Order does not change the rights of students under Title IX to a safe, supportive learning environment and a quality education.

I think my rights have been violated. What can I do?

All New England states have state laws protecting the rights of LGBTQ+ students in schools—including transgender students—as well as state agencies that investigate and enforce violations of those protections. The court order and Executive Order have no impact on state law protections and on students’ statutory rights under Title IX, nor do they change individuals’ rights to bring their own private enforcement actions.

GLAD Law maintains resources for LGBTQ+ students in New England. For more information about the laws in your state, visit our website:

If you have experienced bullying or harassment at school due to your sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression, GLAD Law wants to hear from you. Please visit this page to let us know about your experience: https://www.gladlaw.org/TitleIX-Form

This page was last updated in February 2025.