U.S. Department of Education investigates schools for Title IX violations

In June 2025, the U.S. Department of Education recognized the month as 'Title IX Month' to commemorate the 53rd anniversary of Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, a significant law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in educational programs receiving federal assistance. The designation of this month is aimed at honoring women’s rights and addressing issues that have arisen in the context of Title IX. The Department's announcement included the initiation of investigations into the University of Wyoming and Jefferson County Public Schools for allegations regarding their treatment of female students in relation to single-sex spaces. The University of Wyoming faced scrutiny after a situation arose where a male was allowed to join a campus sorority, Kappa Kappa Gamma, and access female-only areas within the sorority house. Members of the sorority took legal action against their organization in response to this incident, claiming that the inclusion of a male disregards the fundamental definition of a sorority and contravenes Title IX protections. The Department’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) emphasized the importance of adhering to Title IX standards, stating that organizations receiving federal funding must provide environments free of sex-based harassment and sexual assault, thus highlighting the implications for sororities that accept male members. Moreover, Jefferson County Public Schools were investigated concerning their policy that assigns students to share accommodations based on gender identity during school trips. This policy was reportedly misleading to parents, as it suggested that students would be separated by sex without clarifying that 'girls' could include biological males who identify as female. Concerns were raised when parents discovered that their daughter would potentially have shared a bed with a male student on an overnight trip, prompting the Department of Education to act. The investigation aimed to assess how school policies align with Title IX’s requirement for equal opportunity in safe, sex-segregated environments. Education Secretary Linda McMahon reiterated the Administration’s commitment to restoring and protecting women’s rights under Title IX against what was perceived as erosion of these rights under the previous administration. She noted that the Department of Education's initiatives throughout 'Title IX Month' would focus on reinforcing protections for women in educational settings, specifically in athletics and access to intimate spaces. The announcement serves as a call to action to address and rectify policies perceived to undermine the hard-earned rights of women and girls. As Title IX Month progresses, the Department intends to maintain public awareness and continue discussions around these critical issues in educational equity.