HARRISBURG, PA — Attorney General Michelle Henry is reinforcing efforts to protect students from sex discrimination. She joins fifteen other state Attorneys General to ensure that new Title IX regulations go into effect as planned next month.
The U.S. Department of Education’s new rules, set to be implemented on August 1, 2024, clarify that Title IX’s ban on sex discrimination in federally funded education programs includes sexual orientation, gender identity, and sex characteristics.
A recent federal court ruling in Kansas has temporarily blocked the Department of Education from enforcing these regulations in certain states and schools. Although this decision does not broadly impact Pennsylvania, it could affect some schools within the state.
However, Pennsylvania students are still protected under the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act. “All students deserve to learn in a safe environment free from harassment and discrimination,” said Attorney General Henry. “While the Kansas court decision is limited, we remain committed to ensuring that Pennsylvania schools are safe havens for learning.”
PHRC Executive Director Chad Dion Lassiter echoed this sentiment. “A student’s sexual orientation or gender identity should not prevent them from receiving a quality and equal education,” he stated.
The Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, along with counterparts in California and New Jersey, has filed a series of amicus briefs to support the new Title IX rule. These efforts are aimed at countering challenges from several states and organizations, including Kansas, Alaska, Utah, and Wyoming.
The Pennsylvania Human Relations Act protects students in various educational institutions unless they are distinctly private. The Act’s definition of sex discrimination includes a wide range of gender and sexual orientations.
With these protections in place, Pennsylvania is poised to uphold the new Title IX regulations and continue fostering inclusive educational environments.
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