COVINGTON, Ky. - Citizens Defending Freedom (CDF) commends a major federal court ruling that blocks the U.S. Department of Education's attempted changes to Title IX regulations nationwide. The Eastern District of Kentucky's decisive ruling in State of Tennessee, et al. v. Miguel Cardona, et al., which found the Department of Education's 2024 Title IX Final Rule to be unlawful. This landmark decision, which applies nationwide, represents the latest victory in CDF's comprehensive legal campaign against the Department of Education's unlawful Title IX regulations.
CDF has been instrumental in multiple federal court challenges across the country through strategic amicus brief filings. In the Northern District of Texas, CDF's amicus brief called for a nationwide injunction, which ultimately led to a preliminary injunction being granted to stop implementation of the Title IX rules in the State of Texas. Following an initial denial of preliminary injunction in the Northern District of Alabama, CDF's advocacy helped secure an emergency injunction from the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals.
The ruling in the Eastern District of Kentucky affirmed CDF's longstanding legal arguments the court has now validated. CDF’s legal arguments demonstrated that the rule's redefinition of "sex" to include gender identity and sexual orientation exceeded statutory authority, highlighted the application of the major questions doctrine given the vast economic and political significance of the changes, and detailed the substantial compliance costs and litigation risks imposed on schools.
The significance of CDF's legal strategy regarding Title IX was highlighted by Chief Deputy Whip and Congressman Guy Reschenthaler, who noted in an interview with CDF, "You guys (CDF) are the tip of the spear in terms of these legal battles. We need you engaged in court so we can fight here on Capitol Hill."
The Eastern District of Kentucky decision aligns with previous court challenges that had already blocked the 2024 regulations in 26 states, demonstrating the widespread recognition of the Rule's legal deficiencies. Educational institutions will now return to operating under the 2020 Title IX regulations, providing a stable regulatory framework that recognizes the long-standing legal definition of biological sex as Congress originally intended.
"Common sense and the rule of law have finally prevailed. This ruling represents a return to Title IX's clear and longstanding protections for women and girls," said Shannon Ayres, Texas Education Director of Citizens Defending Freedom. "Schools can now confidently continue operating under the established Title IX framework that has successfully protected against sex-based discrimination for decades."
Beyond the courtroom, CDF has led a comprehensive campaign educating parents and local communities about the dangers of Title IX changes since their initial proposal in 2022. CDF participated in every stage of the federal rulemaking process, including public comments and Office of Management and Budget meetings under Executive Order 12866. CDF mobilized a nationwide grassroots campaign that successfully urged Congressional support for H.J. Res 165, engaged directly with school leadership, conducted educational outreach, with multiple appearances on national media to educate the public on these important issues.
About Citizens Defending Freedom:
Founded in 2021, Citizens Defending Freedom is a non-profit organization that strategically operates in counties across America to help citizens defend their faith and freedom, all while fighting for transparency in local government. Currently, Citizens Defending Freedom is established in Florida, Georgia, Michigan, and Texas, with plans to continue expanding across America. Click here to learn more about Citizens Defending Freedom.