Glossary

Title IX

The 1972 federal law banning sex discrimination in education programs that receive federal funds, now central to disputes over athletics and gender identity.

Also called: Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 states that no person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of or subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. It applies to nearly all colleges and public schools.

It is best known for expanding girls' and women's athletic opportunities, and it also covers admissions, financial aid, sexual harassment and assault, pregnancy and parenting students. Enforcement is by the Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights, and individuals can sue. Rules about the process of campus sexual-misconduct hearings, including rights of the accused, have changed across administrations: the 2020 regulations added due process protections, and the 2024 regulations were vacated by a court in 2025.

The law is now at the center of disputes over whether "sex" includes gender identity. In Bostock v. Clayton County (2020), the Court interpreted Title VII to include gender identity and sexual orientation, and the Biden administration applied that logic to Title IX; courts blocked the rule. The Trump administration reads it as protecting sex-based categories, especially in girls' sports. Supporters of each view argue that fairness, safety and equality are at stake. See gender-affirming care. See also parental rights.

Last reviewed November 8, 2026

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Related terms

Parental rights The principle that parents hold primary authority over the upbringing, education and health decisions of their children, a recurring issue in schools. Gender-affirming care Medical and psychological care, from counseling to puberty blockers, hormones and surgery, meant to align a person's body or presentation with gender identity. Equal Protection Clause The Fourteenth Amendment guarantee that no state may deny any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws. Religious liberty The freedom to hold and practice religious beliefs, protected by the First Amendment and a range of federal and state laws. Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) Organizational policies and programs aimed at diversity of people, equitable treatment and inclusion, which have become contested politically.