Providing for Congressional Disapproval of the Rule Submitted By the Department of Education Relating to ``Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex in Education Programs or Activities Receiving Federal Financial Assistance''

Floor Speech

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Mr. TAKANO. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to the resolution.

The Biden administration's rule strengthens and clarifies protections against sex-based harassment and discrimination for LGBTQIA+ students, pregnant students, and parenting students. Consistent with the Bostock decision, the final rule clarifies that Title IX's protections extend to cover discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, sex characteristics, and sex stereotypes.

This is gravely needed for LGBTQIA+ students. Currently, 83 percent of LGBTQIA+ students face victimization at school. In States with laws that specifically target gay and transgender youth, the rate of hate crimes in schools has quadrupled.

For these students, the explicit protections the Biden administration has finalized will make a life-changing difference. This rule will decrease absenteeism, improve mental health, and allow students recourse when they are targets of harassment and violence.

Republicans, however, are seeking to overturn a rule precisely because of the protections it extends to queer students and, with the passage of this resolution, tear down all protections that this essential rule clarifies.

This resolution will have drastic consequences. The protections that the administration offers for pregnant and parenting students would also be overturned. Survivors of sexual harassment and assault will continue to face significant barriers to completing their education.

While Republicans claim this resolution is in the interest of women's rights, their proposed solution will make the situation worse for female students.

What overturning this rule does is exacerbates existing inequalities, prevents any future administration from enacting a similar rule, and then places the blame solely on the LGBTQIA+ community. It is shortsighted, petty, and cruel.

Madam Speaker, I will vote against overturning this rule, and I urge my colleagues to do the same.

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