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 (OCR). The complaint targets the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) and Chicago Public Schools (CPS), alleging violations of Title IX. The organizations claim that ISBE and CPS policies force students to share bathrooms, locker rooms, and overnight accommodations with members of the opposite sex based on self-declared gender identity.
According to the complaint, these policies conflict with Title IX's guarantees by requiring students to share intimate spaces as a condition for accessing school programs. ISBE and CPS suggest that students uncomfortable with this arrangement should use alternative facilities like all-gender or secure-access restrooms. The complaint argues that this subordinates sex to gender ideology in violation of Title IX.
The filing also accuses ISBE of preventing parental notification regarding these issues. It highlights sample procedures provided by ISBE allowing students to participate in overnight trips according to their gender identity without notifying parents or chaperones about housing arrangements for transgender, nonbinary, or gender nonconforming students.
Despite several federal court rulings against such redefinitions of Title IX, DFI and LJC assert that ISBE and CPS continue enforcing conflicting policies. They urge OCR 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. “ISBE and CPS are pushing radical policies that prioritize ideology over student safety.” He called on the U.S. Department of Education to investigate the matter.
Jacob Huebert, President of LJC, stated: “The Illinois State Board of Education and Chicago Public Schools are violating parents’ right to raise their children by hiding important information about their children’s activities at school.” He added that they are also violating federal law by forcing women and girls to share facilities with the opposite sex.