Title IX Clarification Act of 2026
To clarify that for purposes of Federal nondiscrimination requirements applicable to education programs or activities receiving Federal financial assistance, discrimination prohibited under title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 is based on the biological reality of sex.
This bill, HB8781, aims to clarify that discrimination prohibited under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 is based on the biological reality of sex. It specifies that for federal nondiscrimination requirements in educational programs receiving federal financial assistance, sex discrimination should be understood in terms of biological sex, not gender identity. This bill was introduced on May 13, 2026, and was referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce. On July 21, 2026, the House Committee on Education and Workforce held a mark-up session and the bill was ordered to be reported with amendments by a vote of 18 to 15.
This bill would impact educational institutions that receive federal funding by providing clearer guidelines on how to interpret and enforce Title IX protections. Specifically, it would affect students, faculty, and staff within these institutions by setting a clear definition for what constitutes discrimination based on sex. As of the last update, the bill has passed the committee stage and is now ready for further legislative action in the House.
The bill's current status is that it has been reported out of committee with amendments and is awaiting further consideration in the House. The next steps would likely involve debate and a vote on the House floor. The bill was introduced by Jodey Arrington and has multiple co-sponsors, all of whom are Republicans.
