Title IX bans educational institutions that receive federal funds from discriminating against transgender and gender nonconforming students. In spite of this, the U.S. Department of Education has given exemption status to three Christian universities that can now deny accommodations for students who are transgendered.
As detailed in this Huffington Post article, a spokeswoman for the Education Department stated that although the department enforces Title IX, “Title IX explicitly provides an exemption for schools controlled by religious organizations to the extent that the institution asserts that Title IX’s application would not be consistent with the organization’s religious beliefs.”
Kristan W. Newall, Title IX scholar and professor at the University of Massachusetts, “This is where we’re worried about a slippery slope.” Ms. Newall stated that although the three institutions have received exempt status due to religious affiliation, the criteria to establish religious exemption is not clear on its face. Ms. Newall stated that she is “a little concerned in this Hobby Lobby era moment we seem be in, the criteria seems a little bit lax.”
If you or someone you know thinks they have experienced discrimination, the team at Radford & Keebaugh can help. Contact us by phone at (678) 369-3609or use our contact form.