(Tampa Free Press)—The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) has opened investigations into the Illinois Department of Education, Chicago Public Schools District 299, and Deerfield Public Schools District 109 following complaints of alleged Title IX violations.
The Liberty Justice Center (LJC) and the Defense of Freedom Institute filed complaints against Illinois school officials, accusing them of sex-based discrimination by allegedly pressuring female students to share locker rooms and other intimate spaces with biological male students.
Title IX, a federal civil rights law, prohibits discrimination based on sex in federally funded educational programs. The LJC argues that school administrators’ reported actions not only violate Title IX’s original intent but also undermine student privacy, dignity, and safety.
The complaints specifically claim that:
- Deerfield Public Schools District 109 administrators reprimanded and pressured female students into sharing locker rooms with a biological male student.
- The Illinois State Board of Education and Chicago Public Schools failed to protect students from what LJC describes as sex-based discrimination.
Jacob Huebert, President of the Liberty Justice Center, welcomed the federal government’s response, emphasizing the importance of enforcing Title IX as it was originally intended.
“We are pleased that the Department has acted swiftly on our complaint,” Huebert said. “We look forward to seeing the state and these districts held accountable for their illegal discrimination.”
The Department of Education’s decision to investigate signals a renewed focus on Title IX enforcement. The OCR will now review policies, interview affected students and staff, and determine whether Illinois officials have violated federal law.
The Liberty Justice Center, known for its 2018 U.S. Supreme Court victory in Janus v. AFSCME, has vowed to continue advocating for fairness, equality, and respect for all students.