PRESS RELEASES

June 19, 2024

Upholding Inclusivity: Utah House Democrats Advocate for Title IX Protections During Special Session

 

“Today, the Utah House of Representatives convened for the 2024 3rd Special Session. While we appreciated the productive discussions on essential legislative matters, we are deeply disappointed by the emphasis on resolutions opposing the new federal Title IX regulations protecting LGBTQ+ students.

 

We strongly urged the state to embrace and implement the new federal Title IX protections for LGBTQ+ students. These regulations are crucial for creating safe and supportive educational environments for every student, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation. The new Title IX protections prioritize respecting and affirming students’ gender identities, ensuring that all students feel safe and included. 

 

The notion that Title IX forces schools to allow males to compete against females or access women’s private spaces denies the identities of transgender youth and is overly simplistic. Transgender youth do not pose a threat to women or girls. They are merely navigating life like all other kids. Unlike their peers, however, transgender kids must continue to survive in a place where their elected officials continue to use them as a tool for political gain. The legislature should not discriminate nor create unnecessary challenges in their lives, as they wouldn’t for others. 

 

Resolutions like HCR 301 and HJR 301 are deeply concerning, as they threaten to intensify the challenges faced by Utah’s most vulnerable populations. Using states’ rights to justify denying individual freedom is not only alarming but also fundamentally unjust. 

 

The Utah House Democratic Caucus emphasizes the critical importance of rejecting legislation that undermines inclusivity and perpetuates harmful stereotypes about transgender people. We must stand together to protect the rights of all Utahns and ensure a more welcoming future for everyone.”

###