A temporary injunction preventing the federal government from enforcing the 2024 Title IX regulations has been expanded to include the University of Washington. At present, 14 states and hundreds of individual schools, colleges and universities in states across the nation are included in the injunction, which effectively prevents the Department of Education’s 2024 Title IX regulations from taking effect in those states and at those schools as planned on August 1. Additional rulings are expected this week to clarify the scope of the injunction.
The new regulations expand protections for LGBTQIA+ students and would have required more faculty, staff and student employees to report sex discrimination and sex-based harassment to the Title IX Office.
In response to the injunction, the UW will pause any changes to Executive Orders or the Student Conduct Code and maintain current policies and grievance procedures, which are compliant with the 2020 Title IX regulations. The University will proceed with operational improvements that are informed by best practices and supported by both the 2020 and 2024 regulations, and will remain poised to implement the 2024 regulations when or if the injunction is lifted.
“While the current regulatory landscape is uncertain and evolving, these developments do not diminish our responsibility nor limit our ability to prevent and address sex discrimination and sex-based harassment,” said Title IX Coordinator Valery Richardson. “More importantly, it does not change our commitment to maintaining a community that is free from discrimination, harassment and violence.”
If you want to learn more about the existing UW resources available to students and employees who are impacted by sexual harassment, relationship violence, stalking and sexual assault, visit the Survivor Resources page.
For more information, you can visit the Office of the Title IX Coordinator website.