The U.S. Department of Education is scrutinizing the New Richmond School District in Wisconsin following allegations that the district permits “biological men to use female restrooms.” This investigation is part of a broader effort to ensure compliance with federal Title IX regulations.
The Department’s Office for Civil Rights initiated a “directed investigation” to assess whether the school district’s bathroom policy aligns with Title IX protections for female students. This move follows a heated school board meeting in January where parents and the group Moms for Liberty called for a halt to the policy allowing biological males in girls’ restrooms. The department emphasizes that Title IX does not support bathroom access based on gender identity.
Kimberly Richey, Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, stated, “The Trump Administration will always stand up for students and enforce Title IX to ensure that women and girls are safe when they are at school.” She further added, “Young women should never be forced to share intimate spaces with boys and men because school leaders care more about radical gender ideology than protecting girls’ safety, dignity, and privacy.”
The investigation has not yet elicited a response from the New Richmond School District’s superintendent or school board members.
Since its enactment in 1972, Title IX has undergone several modifications under different administrations. In 2020, during the Trump presidency, the law required bathroom access based on biological sex rather than gender identity. In contrast, the Biden administration in 2024 amended Title IX to allow transgender students to use facilities that correspond with their gender identity, although these changes were later reversed, reinstating the 2020 rules.
The Hudson Star-Observer reported that the New Richmond School Board had reviewed policies on gender-segregated facilities. The district’s legal advisor highlighted that recent court decisions support students’ rights to facilities matching their gender identity, warning of potential lawsuits if the district’s policies diverged from these rulings.
Title IX Investigation Gains Traction Among Republican Leaders
The controversy surrounding the New Richmond district’s policy has gained nationwide attention, particularly among conservative circles. U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany, R-Minocqua, and Republican candidates vying for his congressional seat have leveraged the issue as a political platform.
Rep. Tiffany shared the Department of Education’s announcement via social media, criticizing Governor Tony Evers by stating, “It’s sick that (Gov. Tony Evers) refuses to stand up for female students.” Tiffany vowed to “protect girls’ spaces” if elected governor.
Michael Alfonso, a Republican candidate running for Tiffany’s current congressional seat, criticized the school district, accusing them of “criminally allowing biological males to use female restrooms!” Alfonso, endorsed by Trump, is one of five Republican contenders in the 7th Congressional District primary.
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