The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) has initiated investigations into eighteen educational entities across ten states. These investigations stem from complaints alleging violations of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.
Basis of Complaints
The complaints assert that these entities, which include K-12 school districts, postsecondary institutions, and state departments of education, maintain policies allowing students to participate in sports based on gender identity rather than biological sex. The complaints further allege that these policies impact the safety and equal opportunities for women in educational programs and activities.
Official Statement
Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Kimberly Richey stated that OCR is investigating allegations of discrimination against women and girls by entities reportedly allowing males to compete in women’s sports. Richey affirmed the administration's position that violations of women's rights and equal access in education programs are unacceptable.
Entities Under Investigation
The following entities are currently under investigation:
- Jurupa School District (CA)
- Placentia-Yorba School District (CA)
- Santa Monica College (CA)
- Santa Rosa Junior College (CA)
- Waterbury Public Schools (CT)
- Hawaii State Department of Education (HI)
- Regional School Unit 19 (ME)
- Regional School Unit 57 (ME)
- Foxborough Public Schools (MA)
- University of Nevada – Reno (NV)
- Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District (NY)
- New York City Department of Education (NY)
- Great Valley School District (PA)
- Champlain Valley School District (VT)
- Cheney Public Schools (WA)
- Sultan School District No. 311 (WA)
- Tacoma Public Schools (WA)
- Vancouver Public Schools (WA)
Background on Title IX
Title IX prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.