“It simply reaffirms the biological truth that there are only two sexes, male and female. Protecting women and girls from discrimination is a fundamental principle that should be upheld.”
But LGBTQ+ advocates argue that the order is harmful and discriminatory, and they vow to fight against it in court. Oakley said that the legal challenges will likely focus on the order’s impact on transgender individuals and whether it violates their rights under Title IX and other federal laws.
“We will not stand by while the Trump administration tries to erase the existence of transgender people and roll back the progress we have made in protecting their rights,” Oakley said. “Transgender students deserve to be treated with dignity and respect, and we will do everything in our power to ensure that they are.”
For colleges and universities, the uncertainty created by Trump’s executive order adds another layer of complexity to an already challenging landscape of legal and regulatory requirements. Institutions will need to carefully review their policies and practices to ensure they are in compliance with the new order while also upholding their commitment to diversity, inclusion, and nondiscrimination.
As the Biden administration continues to push for expanded protections for transgender individuals, the clash between federal and state laws, as well as conflicting executive orders, will likely create ongoing challenges for colleges and universities. It remains to be seen how higher ed institutions will navigate this complex legal and regulatory environment and continue to support all students, regardless of their gender identity.
Todo lo que hace es solidificar la intención original del Congreso cuando pasaron las leyes … Nuestras chicas y mujeres en los campus universitarios están hartas de que sus derechos sean erosionados.
Friedfel dijo que es probable que la administración actual de Trump investigue las quejas de estudiantes cisgénero que se sienten incómodos compartiendo espacios con estudiantes transgénero.
“Eso no significa necesariamente que tengan que hacer algo radicalmente diferente, pero reconocer que hay ese riesgo ahí”, dijo.
Oakley dijo que la orientación del departamento es necesaria para que las universidades entiendan qué se espera de ellas y cómo la Oficina de Derechos Civiles hará cumplir el Título IX. No espera que la OCR tome en serio la discriminación contra el personal, el profesorado y los estudiantes LGBTQ+.
“También va a ser muy difícil entender cómo cumplir cuando las personas que hacen cumplir la ley no respetan la jurisprudencia real”, dijo. “Así que va a crear una tremenda cantidad de confusión.”