August 1, 2024
Legal challenges to the 2024 Title IX regulations continue, and more states and specific schools are being impacted by federal court-ordered injunctions. The University of Washington is one of the many schools blocked from implementing the regulations on August 1 as planned. We are closely monitoring the legal landscape, and if the injunction is lifted, the University will be ready to proceed with implementation. In the meantime, the 2020 Title IX regulations remain in effect.
The current lawsuits primarily focus on the protections for gender identity and sexual orientation that have been added to the 2024 Title IX regulations. We want to emphasize that the University of Washington’s policies already protect LGBTQ+ members of our community from discrimination and harassment. It is also our interpretation that to the extent LGBTQ+ discrimination commonly focuses on sex stereotypes and sex characteristics, that behavior is already prohibited under Title IX and will continue to be.
University students, employees, or other community members who experience these forms of discrimination or harassment, in addition to any forms of sex- and gender-based violence, harassment, and discrimination, are encouraged to make a report using the online Title IX reporting form or email the Title IX Office at titleix@uw.edu or call 206-221-7932.
While the uncertainty with the 2024 regulations is unsettling, and the controversy is distressing to many in our community, the injunction does not keep us from preventing and addressing sex discrimination and harassment, or proceeding with many of our planned improvements, including:
- Alternative resolution options for students
- Expanded training content
- Improved systems for supporting students experiencing pregnancy or related conditions
- Published timelines for investigations and hearings, and increased transparency around grievance procedures
- Increased clarity around which employees are required to notify the Title IX Office of sex- or gender-based discrimination, harassment, or violence.
Additional communication to students and employees will occur in the fall, and information and updates will be provided on the Office of the Title IX Coordinator website.