U.S. Court Invalidates Title IX Regulations Redefining Sex Discrimination, Marking Victory for Women’s Rights

The case, State of Tennessee v. Cardona, challenged the Department of Education’s 2022 regulations, which redefined sex discrimination under Title IX to include gender identity.

The Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls, Reem Alsalem, welcomed a landmark decision by a U.S. federal district court on January 9, 2025, declaring the U.S. Department of Education’s regulations implementing Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 as unlawful and vacating them nationwide.

The case, State of Tennessee v. Cardona, challenged the Department of Education’s 2022 regulations, which redefined sex discrimination under Title IX to include gender identity. The court found that this interpretation exceeded the Department's statutory authority and violated constitutional protections.

Landmark Ruling for Women and Girls

Alsalem hailed the ruling as a pivotal moment in safeguarding the rights of women and girls, emphasizing the clarity it brings to the definition of sex discrimination.

“When Title IX is viewed in its entirety, it is abundantly clear that discrimination on the basis of sex means discrimination on the basis of being male and female,” Alsalem stated.

Title IX, enacted in 1972, was designed to combat sex discrimination in federally funded education programs. Over the years, it has served as a cornerstone for advancing gender equality in the U.S. education system, ensuring equal opportunities for women and girls in academics, athletics, and beyond.

Concerns Raised About Previous Regulations

In December 2024, Alsalem addressed a formal communication to the U.S. Government expressing concerns about the human rights implications of the Department of Education’s then-proposed rule to amend Title IX regulations. She noted that expanding the definition of sex discrimination to include gender identity could undermine protections for women and girls, particularly in areas such as sports, facilities access, and safe educational environments.

The court’s decision reinforces the original intent of Title IX, reaffirming the commitment to gender equality and ensuring that women and girls can access education in conditions of dignity and safety.

Implications of the Court’s Decision

The ruling has significant implications for schools, colleges, and universities across the United States. It clarifies that Title IX’s protections are specifically designed to address discrimination based on biological sex, not gender identity. Advocates for women’s rights argue that this interpretation is critical for preserving fair competition in women’s sports, maintaining the integrity of single-sex spaces, and protecting the educational opportunities guaranteed to women and girls.

Alsalem commented, “By preserving the original intent of Title IX, the Court has restored factual clarity and common sense to the design of policies that affect women and girls, reasserting their rights to access education under conditions of equality and safety.”

Call to Action

The Special Rapporteur urged the U.S. Government to carefully consider the court’s decision and reaffirm its commitment to protecting the rights of women and girls under Title IX. She called on policymakers to ensure that future regulations and policies uphold the fundamental principles of non-discrimination and equality.

This landmark ruling has reignited discussions about the balance between protecting the rights of women and addressing broader issues of inclusion. As the United States navigates the complexities of these debates, the decision stands as a reaffirmation of the foundational purpose of Title IX in advancing gender equality.