Department of Education Reverses Biden’s 2024 Title IX Rule
The U.S. Department of Education has decided to repeal the Biden administration’s 2024 Title IX regulation. Education Secretary Linda McMahon stated this decision supports the notion that sports for girls and women should be exclusively for females. McMahon expressed to OutKick that this action reinforces the distinction between male and female sports categories.
The move reinstates the 2020 regulatory framework in the Code of Federal Regulations. This follows court decisions that have already declared the Biden rule invalid. Earlier in January 2025, the department confirmed its enforcement of the Trump administration’s original regulations.
In an interaction with OutKick, McMahon criticized California’s approach to transgender athletes and challenged Governor Gavin Newsom to clarify his stance. She emphasized the importance of clear rules for students, teachers, schools, and parents.
When asked if there are new obligations or deadlines for schools, McMahon suggested they revert to the Trump-era rules without specifying any new compliance deadlines. She highlighted Title IX’s role in providing equal sports opportunities for women, which she believed had been compromised under the Biden administration’s regulations.
The 2024 Biden rule sought to broaden Title IX’s protections against sex discrimination to cover gender identity, but an associated proposal affecting sports team eligibility was withdrawn. Furthermore, President Donald Trump, together with female athletes, signed the “No Men in Women’s Sports” executive order to emphasize support for sex-based eligibility.
The Trump administration enforced its Title IX interpretation through various investigations, funding conditions, and consultations with the Department of Justice. On April 4, 2025, the Departments of Education and Justice launched the Title IX Special Investigations Team.
Legal actions were initiated against Maine for its policy permitting transgender males to participate in female sports. McMahon outlined the department’s use of reimbursement conditions for funding recipients categorized as high risk, meaning states like Maine must validate their spending before receiving funds.
Consequences for states not adhering to Title IX might include Justice Department referrals or financial consequences, according to McMahon. She highlighted ongoing cases, such as the University of Pennsylvania’s settlement mandating the restoration of records and titles to female athletes following trans athlete participation.
McMahon noted that the Penn agreement served as a potential model, yet each case would be addressed individually. Parents were advised to discuss concerns with school authorities and alert federal officials when facing issues with transgender athletes in female sports settings.
The Supreme Court upheld restrictions in Idaho and West Virginia on exclusive female sports participation. Discussing the enforcement of sex-based eligibility nationwide, McMahon emphasized Title IX’s foundational purpose and its legal obligations.
OutKick, including reporter Dan Zaksheske, continues to cover these developments.