The Defense of Freedom Institute for Policy Studies (DFI) and the Liberty Justice Center (LJC) have filed a federal civil rights complaint with the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights against the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) and Chicago Public Schools (CPS). The complaint alleges that ISBE and CPS are violating Title IX by requiring students to share bathrooms, locker rooms, and overnight accommodations with members of the opposite sex based on self-declared "gender identity."
The complaint argues that ISBE and CPS policies conflict with Title IX's guarantees by mandating students to share intimate spaces as a condition for accessing school programs. According to these policies, students uncomfortable with such arrangements are advised to use alternative facilities, such as "a nearby all-gender or secure-access restroom." The complaint states this approach subordinates sex to gender ideology in violation of Title IX.
Additionally, the complaint highlights procedures from ISBE that prevent parental notification regarding these issues. It notes that schools are instructed not to inform chaperones or parents about housing arrangements for transgender, nonbinary, or gender nonconforming students during overnight trips.
Despite federal court rulings against unlawful redefinitions of Title IX, DFI and LJC claim ISBE and CPS continue enforcing conflicting policies. They urge the Office for Civil Rights to investigate these entities and ensure compliance with Title IX under threat of losing federal funding.
"Congress intended Title IX to ensure that schools provide equal educational opportunities without regard to sex," said DFI President Bob Eitel. He criticized ISBE and CPS for prioritizing ideology over student safety and privacy. Jacob Huebert, President of LJC, added that ISBE and CPS violate parents' rights by withholding information about their children's activities at school.
To read the full complaint, visit here.
Information from this article can be found here.