DeSantis Declares Florida’s Non-Compliance with Revamped Title IX

The tension between Florida and the White House continues following the recent changes to Title IX by the Biden administration.

On Friday, the Department of Education introduced new Title IX regulations that now include “gender identity” in the definition of sex-based discrimination. This has led to conflicts with some states, including Florida, where laws have been enacted to prevent transgender students from using school facilities or participating in sports based on their gender identity rather than biological sex.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, R-Fla., strongly opposed the new rules, stating, “Florida rejects Joe Biden’s attempt to rewrite Title IX.” DeSantis emphasized that the state will not comply and will fight against these changes that, in his view, threaten the rights of parents and undermine biological distinctions.

Although the regulations do not directly address the issue of athletics, they aim to provide equal access to education and prevent discrimination against transgender students in schools.

Conservative lawmakers in Florida view the new rules as a way to eliminate the significance of biological sex. Attorney General Ashley Moody also criticized the changes, particularly concerning the impact on women’s protections and privacy.