Statement of Administration Policy: H.J. Res. 165 - Providing for Congressional Disapproval Under Chapter 8 of Title 5, United States Code, 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"

STATEMENT OF ADMINISTRATION POLICY

(House Rules)
(Rep. Miller, R-IL, and 72 cosponsors)

The Administration strongly opposes H.J. Res. 165, which would disapprove the Department of Education's rule, under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, to restore and strengthen vital nondiscrimination protections for students, employees, and applicants in federally funded education programs and activities.

Since Title IX was signed into law more than 50 years ago, it has opened doors for generations of women and girls and increased access to educational opportunities for millions of students. Despite this progress, rates of sexual harassment and assault in our nation's schools and colleges remain unacceptably high. Many women see their education derailed because of pregnancy discrimination. And many LGBTQI+ students face bullying and harassment just because of who they are.

The Department's rule is critical to ensuring that no person experiences sex discrimination at school. The rule provides protection from sex-based harassment, including sexual violence; promotes accountability and fundamental fairness through a fair, transparent, and reliable process; and ensures that students, employees, and families understand their rights and that institutions know their responsibilities. The rule also advances educational equity by requiring schools that have knowledge of possible sex discrimination in their education programs or activities to take prompt and effective action to end the sex discrimination, prevent its recurrence, and remedy its effects. Passage of H.J. Res. 165 would eliminate these critical protections that keep students safe and able to realize their full potential.

The promise of Title IX—an education free from sex discrimination—remains as vital now as it was when the law was enacted. The Administration will continue to fight tirelessly to realize this promise and achieve equal opportunity for all students and all Americans.

If the President were presented with H.J. Res. 165, he would veto it.