Guaranteeing an Educational Environment Free From Sex Discrimination

Mar 11, 2021

Summary

Makes sure all students have a school environment free from unfair treatment based on sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

What problem does this solve?

Some students face unfair treatment at school because of their sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity, and current rules may not protect them. This order directs the government to review and change those rules to ensure all students are safe from this type of discrimination.

What does this order do?

Establishes a policy against sex discrimination in schools

States that all students should be guaranteed a school environment free from discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

Requires a review of all current education rules

Directs the Secretary of Education, with the Attorney General, to review all existing rules and policies to find any that are inconsistent with the new anti-discrimination policy.

Orders changes to inconsistent rules

Instructs the Secretary of Education to consider suspending, revising, or canceling any agency actions that do not align with the order's policy to protect students.

Calls for stronger enforcement actions

Encourages the Secretary of Education to increase enforcement against sex discrimination and sexual harassment, with a focus on protecting LGBTQ+ students.

Who does this affect?

Students in federally funded educational institutions
LGBTQ+ students
School administrators and staff

What is the real world impact?

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Strengthens protections for LGBTQ+ students

Reverses previous policies by interpreting sex discrimination to include sexual orientation and gender identity. This ensures that federal civil rights law protects LGBTQ+ students in schools that receive federal money.

When does this start?

This order took effect on March 8, 2021, and includes a specific deadline for reviewing existing rules.

Review of agency actions

Within 100 days of March 8, 2021, the Secretary of Education must complete a review of all existing regulations and policies related to sex discrimination.