LPAC Slams States' Defiance of New Title IX Protections for LGBTQ+ Students

In a landmark move by the Biden Administration, Title IX rules have been revised to explicitly prohibit sex-based discrimination in educational environments, directly addressing protections based on sexual orientation and gender identity. The revision marked a critical step forward in ensuring that LGBTQ+ youth across America can experience a safe, inclusive, and equitable education—fundamental rights that every student deserves. 

However, Governors and state education chiefs in Florida, Louisiana, Montana, and South Carolina have not only rejected these vital protections but have actively directed school districts to defy federal law. In Florida, Governor Ron DeSantis has escalated this defiance by filing a lawsuit against the Biden Administration alongside other Republican attorneys general from Alabama, Georgia and South Carolina.

LPAC’s Executive Director, Janelle Perez has issued the following statement in response:

"It's tragic to watch state leaders in conservative strongholds actively choose exclusion and discrimination over protecting all of our nation's children. Clearly, when Governors like Ron DeSantis preach about their commitment to protecting children, they conveniently ignore the rights of trans and nonbinary students—a stance that reeks of hypocrisy and is downright disgraceful.

“These actions, in a misguided effort to pander to extremist factions like Moms for Liberty, serve as a glaring reminder of the culture wars being fought on the backs of our children's futures. It's an utter travesty that these officials are pouring their energy into stripping away fair and equal protections under the law for some of our most vulnerable students to appease fringe groups pushing their hate-filled agendas that do nothing but demagogue and divide. Our children deserve better than to be pawns in these destructive political games.

“The updated Title IX rules were created to ensure that LGBTQ+ students can partake in the full range of educational experiences—from prom nights to bathroom breaks—without fear. As long as our schools pocket federal dollars, it's non-negotiable that we enforce a nondiscrimination policy that lets every student flourish.

“LPAC stands firmly against the actions taken by these states to undermine the rights of LGBTQ+ students. We are committed to advocating for the enforcement of these protections and supporting the ongoing efforts to ensure a fair and inclusive educational system. We call on community leaders, educators, and policymakers to join us in this crucial fight. Protecting our children means protecting all of them, without bias, without exceptions.”