BOISE, ID — Today, Independent Women’s Voice (IWV) applauds Idaho Governor Brad Little for defending Title IX and women’s sex-based rights against the Biden-Harris administration’s illegal attempt to gut the landmark civil rights law.
Title IX was enacted in 1972 to outlaw sex discrimination in federally funded programs and expand educational opportunities for women and girls. But a new administrative rule, released on April 19 by the Biden-Harris administration, turns Title IX on its head, requiring schools to allow males to self-identify into women’s spaces, opportunities, and athletics.
In an executive order signed today, Governor Little directs the Idaho State Department of Education to continue enforcing Title IX and Idaho state law as written, not as twisted by the Biden-Harris flagrantly illegal administrative rule.
Governor Little’s order makes clear that the administration’s federal overreach will not undermine state law—such as Idaho legislation inspired by IWV’s Women’s Bill of Rights—which clearly defines common sex-based words already used across state code. What’s more, thanks to the tremendous leadership of Idaho State Representative Barbara Ehardt, Idaho was the first state in the nation to pass a Fairness in Women’s Sports law, setting a standard 26 states have now adopted. Independent Women’s Voice Ambassador Riley Gaines joined the governor at today’s signing ceremony.
“I am proud that I was the first Governor in the nation to sign a bill banning boys and men from competing with girls and women in athletics, and we are taking additional steps through my new executive order to defend women’s sports. Generations of women and men have worked hard to promote women’s sports in society, and Idaho is committed to upholding their hard work by protecting women’s sports in today’s age. I appreciate Riley Gaines and Independent Women’s Voice for supporting this important fight for women and girls,” said Idaho Governor Brad Little.
Riley Gaines, Independent Women’s Voice Ambassador, said, “In signing this executive order, Governor Little is standing against the Biden-Harris administration’s Title IX rewrite, which is an assault on women’s sex-based rights. This decisive action will prevent unjust sex discrimination, save women’s sports, and protect privacy for Idaho women and girls. Today’s proclamation is also possible because of the courageous leadership of Rep. Barbara Erhardt’s effort to protect women’s sports in Idaho. Idaho is lucky to have such incredible leaders who are unafraid to say women’s sports are for females. This is what it looks like to stand with women and I hope every Governor does the same!”
State Representative Barbara Erhardt, sponsor of Idaho’s Fairness in Women’s Sports Law and former 15-year career NCAA Division I women’s basketball coach said, “Title IX changed my life. I think it’s important to recognize how far women have come, and now the Biden-Harris administration is taking that away from us because the White House thinks that they can dictate what can happen with us and our Title IX. And that’s simply not right. I applaud Governor Little for standing strong.”
States across the country and organizations, including Independent Women’s Law Center, are pushing back against the Biden-Harris administration’s Title IX rule by filing lawsuits. District court judges have granted preliminary injunctions for 26 states, including Idaho, pausing enforcement of the final rule during the course of litigation, meaning that schools in these states or areas will not currently be required to comply with the rule.
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