Department of Education rescinds Biden-era Title IX regulations

The Department of Education announced on September 29, 2026, that it has rescinded Title IX regulations implemented during the Biden administration, which aimed to enhance protections based on sexual orientation and gender identity in federally funded schools and universities. The new rules revert to those established during President Trump's first term, which included a narrower definition of sexual harassment and increased due process for individuals accused of misconduct. US Secretary of Education Linda McMahon stated that the new rule restores 'commonsense language' and aligns with court orders and Congressional intent, reducing confusion for stakeholders. The Department emphasized that there would be no immediate changes in practice for students, parents, and teachers, as the department has been enforcing its own rules since the start of the Trump administration. The Biden-era regulations had faced legal challenges from Republican states, and following the dismissal of appeals in August, the Department formally removed the previous regulations from the Code of Federal Regulations. The announcement has drawn criticism from advocates who argue that it undermines federal protections for LGBTQ+ individuals and survivors of sexual assault. Kelley Robinson, president of the Human Rights Campaign, expressed concern that the changes would negatively impact vulnerable groups, including women and LGBTQ+ students. Additionally, the announcement coincided with renewed scrutiny of a criminal investigation into an alleged gang rape at Cornell University, which has sparked discussions about sexual harassment on college campuses.