The new guidance categorically denies that Bostock applies to Title IX despite the clear words of the majority opinion that “it is impossible to discriminate against a person for being homosexual or transgender without discriminating against that individual based on sex.” Title IX prohibits sex discrimination in federally funded educational programs. In addition, numerous federal circuit courts — including the 6th Circuit, the 7th Circuit, the 4th Circuit, and the 11th Circuit — have held that transgender students are protected from discrimination under Title IX.
In October 2020, the Education Department named anti-LGBTQ extremist Sarah Perry as the co-chair of the new Diversity and Inclusion Council. Sarah Perry has a long history of statements and activism against transgender people as a former employee of the Family Research Council, a group that is outspoken in their opposition to LGBTQ rights and protections.
Under the direction of DeVos and then Attorney General Jeff Sessions, within days of taking office, the U.S. Departments of Education and Justice revoked the Obama Administration’s guidance detailing schools’ obligations to transgender students under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.
In September 2017, DeVos withdrew vital Title IX guidance related to schools’ obligations to address sexual harassment, including sexual violence. LGBTQ people disproportionately experience sexual violence.
