Hinds Today

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) challenged Education Secretary Miguel Cardona on the potential impact of the Biden administration's final Title IX rule changes during a Senate appropriations subcommittee hearing. The rule, set to take effect on August 1, has raised concerns about how it may affect gender dynamics in schools, particularly in spaces like restrooms and locker rooms.

Hyde-Smith expressed her apprehensions about the new rule, stating, "There are many troubling aspects of this new rule, like its weakening of due process protections, redefining the word ‘sex’ to encompass gender identity, and compelling speech." She specifically questioned Cardona about the implications for biological females, highlighting the possibility of transgender students choosing facilities that could eliminate safe spaces for women and impact female participation in athletics.

In response to Hyde-Smith's concerns, Cardona defended the final rule, emphasizing that it aims to protect all students, especially those from marginalized communities. He stated, "We’re not trying to create divisions. You just said, ‘protecting students is my number one priority.’ So, do you feel like those biological females are protected in that setting? To the best of your ability, you’re protecting them?"

The discussion between Hyde-Smith and Cardona also touched upon parental rights under the new rule, which introduces changes to due process protections on campus and merges sex with gender identity. Hyde-Smith, a vocal opponent of the rule changes, has been actively challenging the Biden administration's revisions along with states like Mississippi.

Title IX of the Civil Rights Act, enacted in 1972, was designed to prevent sex-based discrimination in educational settings, benefiting women's access to higher education and sports. The ongoing debate over the Biden rule adjustments extends to areas such as sex-related eligibility for sports teams, with Hyde-Smith opposing these efforts and supporting legislative actions like the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act.

As the implementation date of the new Title IX rule approaches, the debate surrounding its implications for gender equality and safety in educational environments continues to unfold.