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Antonio Urges State School Board to Scrap Resolution Urging Schools to Ignore Title IX

September 15, 2022
Nickie J. Antonio News
 
Today, state Senator Nickie J. Antonio (D-Lakewood) released the following statement after the Ohio State Board of Education announced that it will consider adopting a resolution that would urge school districts to oppose and disregard the enhanced Title IX protections proposed in June 2022 that would prohibit all schools that receive federal funds – including public, charter, private, and parochial schools – from “adopting a policy or engaging in a practice that prevents a person from participating in an education program or activity consistent with their gender identity.” “I strongly urge the state Board of Education to not take up this resolution. Adolescence is a fundamental time for young people to explore their identity, and they should be able to do so without fear that they will be bullied by adults who are using their positions of power to promote discrimination,” Antonio said. “We know that protecting students’ freedom to live authentically allows them to better focus on school and sports. This is the spirit of Title IX, and why it only makes sense that this fundamental policy should also protect students from discrimination against their gender identity and sexual orientation.” If adopted, the proposed resolution would direct all Ohio schools to not amend their local policies to comply with the updated Title IX guidance; report student identities, alternative names and pronouns to families, regardless of possible risks for students; prohibit trans youth from participating on sports team and using school bathroom facilities that align with their gender identity; and reject so-called "harmful, coercive and burdensome gender identity policies."