Federal Court Strikes Down Biden’s Title IX Rules: What the Ruling Might Mean for Auburn University Students

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In a major ruling on Thursday, January 9, 2025, a federal judge struck down the Biden administration’s Title IX regulations in the case of Tennessee vs. Cardona. Chief Judge Danny C. Reeves of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky ruled that the 1,500-page directive was “arbitrary and capricious,” violating both the spending clause and the First Amendment, as well as the Administrative Procedure Act (APA).

This ruling marks a significant shift in Title IX interpretation and implementation, with far-reaching consequences for students across the country. As an attorney with extensive experience in Title IX cases and prior work within Auburn University’s Title IX office, I’ve closely analyzed this ruling and its potential impact on our campus community.

Key Aspects of the Court’s Decision

  • Overreach of Authority: The court found that the Department of Education had exceeded its boundaries by extending Title IX beyond its original intent.
  • First Amendment Concerns: The regulations were deemed to infringe upon free speech rights, particularly in mandating the use of preferred pronouns.
  • Interpretation of “Sex”: Judge Reeves emphasized that discrimination “on the basis of sex” in Title IX refers to discrimination based on being male or female, not gender identity.
  • Vacatur Issued: The court issued a vacatur, effectively erasing the 2024 Title IX regulations and preventing their application nationwide, not just in the states involved in the lawsuit.

Impact on Auburn University Students

While this ruling is significant nationally, its impact on Auburn University students is more limited:

  1. Pre-existing Injunction

The 11th Circuit, which includes Alabama, was already under an injunction regarding the 2024 Title IX regulations. As a result, Auburn University never implemented these regulations and has been operating under previous Title IX guidelines.

  1. Protection for LGBTQ+ Students

Although the ruling narrows the interpretation of “sex” under Title IX, LGBTQ+ students at Auburn remain protected under the university’s general policy against discrimination and harassment. This policy has been in place independently of Title IX regulations and will continue to provide safeguards for LGBTQ+ students.

  1. Original Scope of Title IX Coverage

Title IX still prohibits discrimination based on sex in educational programs and activities that receive federal funding. This includes:

  • Admissions and recruitment
  • Financial aid
  • Athletics
  • Course offerings and access to facilities
  • Student counseling and health services

What Happens Next?

For now, schools and colleges that were following the 2024 regulations will stop doing so. Many institutions may return to the policies they had before these regulations were introduced. However, this decision might not be the final word. There’s a possibility of an appeal, which would create new legal questions. Additionally, with a new presidential administration taking office soon, it’s possible that any appeal could be withdrawn or that new rules could be introduced.

What This Means for Students and Parents at Auburn University

For students and parents at Auburn University and other institutions, this decision might feel confusing. Title IX is designed to protect students from discrimination, but how those protections are implemented often depends on the specific regulations in place. With the 2024 rules now invalidated, schools may shift back to older policies, at least until there’s more clarity.

Why This Matters

This ruling is about more than just legal technicalities; it’s about how schools handle serious issues like sexual harassment, discrimination, and due process. The invalidation of the 2024 regulations is significant for students, parents, and educational institutions alike. It underscores the importance of having clear, fair procedures in place to address Title IX issues and protect the rights of all parties involved. 

Potential Future Developments

The incoming Trump administration has signaled its intention to revisit Title IX regulations. This could lead to further changes in the coming months, potentially affecting how Title IX is implemented at Auburn and other institutions. Areas that might see further revision include:

  • The definition of sexual harassment.
  • The scope of an institution’s responsibility to respond to off-campus incidents.
  • The use of mediation in sexual misconduct cases.
  • The role of Title IX coordinators.

Stay Informed and Protected

Given the evolving nature of Title IX regulations, it’s important for Auburn students to:

  • Stay updated on university announcements regarding Title IX and anti-discrimination policies.
  • Understand their rights under both Title IX and Auburn’s general anti-discrimination policy.
  • Be aware of the resources available on campus for reporting and addressing discrimination concerns.
  • Seek clarification from university officials when uncertain about Title IX-related matters.

If you or your student is involved in a Title IX matter—whether as a complainant or a respondent—this ruling could have a significant impact on your case. While Auburn’s policies have remained relatively stable due to the pre-existing injunction, policies can vary from school to school, and the ruling could have deeper implications at other institutions. This is why understanding the current legal landscape is so critical for anyone involved in a Title IX case.

At Vaughn Defense, I’m here to help students and families navigate these complex and ever-changing rules. Whether you’re facing a Title IX investigation or have questions about how this ruling affects your school, I’m ready to provide the clear guidance and strong representation you need to secure a favorable outcome. Please contact us by calling (334) 232-9392 or contact us online.

2024 Summer Recap: Criminal Defense Wins, Military Defense, and Title IX Advocacy

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As a solo practicing attorney in Auburn, Alabama, this summer has been both productive and fulfilling. From securing wins in military defense cases across multiple states to providing expert Title IX training, I’m proud of the impact our work has had on our clients and the broader legal community. Here’s a recap of the key milestones from this summer.

Military Defense Success: Three Wins in Three States

May was an exceptionally strong month, with a perfect record in military defense cases across three different states. Each case presented unique challenges, but through strategic preparation and in-depth legal defense, we achieved outstanding results for our clients.

  • Flying Evaluation Board (FEB) Victory: Representing an Air Force officer facing an FEB, I was able to successfully argue for my client’s return to flight training, preserving their career in aviation.
  • Drug Use Allegation Defense: In another case, my client was accused of drug use, but after a thorough defense, the board found no basis for the allegations, and my client was returned to duty.
  • Allegations of Destruction of Electronic Records: In a complex case involving accusations of intentionally destroying electronic records and hindering the mission of the unit, most of the allegations were found without merit, allowing my client to return to duty.

These victories underscore the importance of experienced military defense counsel in protecting service members’ careers and futures.

Training the Next Generation: Air Force JAGs Trial Advocacy

In June, I spent a week in Seattle/Tacoma, training junior Air Force JAGs on trial advocacy techniques. This hands-on training allowed me to pass along vital courtroom strategies, helping to equip the next generation of military attorneys with the skills they need to succeed in high-pressure situations.

ROTC and Student Defense: Key Cases in Auburn

One of the highlights of my summer was defending a ROTC student accused of drug use. After thorough preparation and strategic representation, my client was allowed to return to his unit and continue his training. This case highlighted the importance of a strong defense for students facing serious allegations that can jeopardize their future.

Another student I represented faced a full Title IX hearing. The stakes were high, with the potential for my client to be expelled from school. After a comprehensive defense, the hearing officer determined that my client was not responsible for violating the policy, and he is now set to return to school this fall.

Criminal Defense Success in Auburn and Lee County Courts

Closer to home, I successfully defended clients in Auburn Municipal Court, where charges were dismissed against two individuals I represented. In Lee County District Court, I also secured the dismissal of charges against another client, demonstrating that persistence and a tailored defense strategy are key in achieving positive results for clients.

Title IX Training at Alabama A&M

This summer also gave me the opportunity to step into a teaching role, providing Title IX training to the entire faculty and staff at Alabama A&M University. This training was crucial in helping the university understand the latest updates to Title IX regulations and best practices for navigating these sensitive issues.

Looking Forward: Continued Advocacy in Criminal Defense, Title IX, and Military Law

As we move into the fall, my commitment to providing focused, client-centered representation remains steadfast. By limiting the number of clients I take on, I am able to offer more personalized, engaged advocacy—whether in military defense, Title IX cases, or criminal defense.

The results we achieved this summer reflect the power of this approach. I look forward to continuing to fight for my clients in Auburn, Alabama, and beyond.

Navigating the 2024 Changes to Title IX Grievance Procedures: An Overview of the new Grievance Process

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In 2024, significant revisions to Title IX regulations will affect how educational institutions receiving federal funding handle complaints of sex discrimination, including sex-based harassment. This guide delves deep into the specifics of Sections 106.45 and 106.46, explaining the requirements for all recipients and additional mandates for postsecondary institutions, like Auburn University.

Section 106.45: Comprehensive Grievance Procedures

General Requirements: Every institution must establish written procedures that are prompt and equitable in resolving sex discrimination complaints. These procedures must explicitly prevent any bias against complainants or respondents and maintain the presumption of innocence for the respondent until the conclusion of the grievance process.

Who Can File a Complaint?: Complaints can be made by:

  • Direct complainants of discrimination
  • Parents, guardians, or legal representatives acting on behalf of the complainant
  • The institution’s Title IX Coordinator
  • Students or employees, or any individual attempting to participate in the institution’s programs, only in cases not involving sex-based harassment

Key Procedural Requirements:

  • Objective Evidence Evaluation: All relevant evidence, whether incriminating or exonerating, must be objectively evaluated. This is to ensure that decision-makers base their conclusions on solid, unbiased evidence.
  • Evidence Restrictions: Certain types of evidence are excluded from consideration, such as privileged information or medical records, unless explicit consent is given. Importantly, evidence regarding the complainant’s sexual history is tightly restricted, reflecting the sensitivity of such information.
  • Timeliness and Transparency: Institutions must set clear, reasonable timelines for all major grievance stages and provide timely notifications to all parties involved about delays and their causes.

Section 106.46: Special Provisions for Postsecondary Institutions like Auburn University

This section builds on 106.45 by addressing specific circumstances at postsecondary institutions, especially where either the complainant or respondent is a student.

Live Hearings and Credibility Assessments: Live hearings are no longer required, but they are still permitted if the institution chooses to use them. If a live hearing is conducted, it must allow for real-time cross-examination by the parties’ advisors and not the parties themselves. This is the current process under the 2020 regulations. If there is no live hearing, institutions must still provide a process that allows for the proper assessment of credibility. This may involve the decision-maker asking relevant questions during individual meetings with the parties and witnesses. This ensures that even without a live hearing, there is a mechanism to effectively judge the credibility of all involved, crucial for fair decision-making. Importantly, if an institution chooses to do it this way without a live hearing, they must either provide a recording or a transcript of the interview to the opposing party so they can suggest follow up questions that should be asked. This process can go back and forth as long as the investigator or decision maker deems it necessary and warranted.

Detailed Notice Requirements: Before any initial interview, detailed written notice of the allegations must be provided, including:

  • The nature of the alleged sex-based harassment
  • Details about the grievance and informal resolution processes
  • Information on the presumption of innocence until the procedural conclusion
  • Rights to have an advisor, who may be an attorney

Handling Evidence: Both parties must have equal access to all relevant evidence collected during the investigation, ensuring transparency and fairness in the evidence review process. This can be in the form of a summarized report like is currently the standard. If they are provided a report, they are permitted to see the evidence forming the basis of that report. If there is NOT a report, the parties are simply provided the evidence.

Conclusion

The 2024 updates to Title IX regulations provide a robust framework intended to enhance the integrity of grievance procedures concerning sex discrimination in educational settings. For institutions like Auburn University, understanding and implementing these changes is crucial for compliance and for protecting the rights of their communities. For individuals navigating these processes, recognizing these procedural rights and protections can significantly impact the handling of their cases.

For experienced guidance on navigating these complex procedures or for support in a Title IX grievance, reaching out to a knowledgeable advisor is highly recommended.

Objective Evaluation of Evidence in Title IX Grievance Procedures: What’s New in 2024

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The 2024 Title IX Final Rule brings significant updates to how evidence is handled in Title IX grievance procedures. A key aspect of these updates is the objective evaluation of all relevant evidence, and according to the Department of Education, is designed to ensure fairness, reduce litigation risk, and align with established case law. Here’s what you need to know about these changes and how they may impact the parties involved in a Title IX grievance procedure.

Clear Guideposts for Evidence Evaluation

Under the new regulations, all evidence that may aid a decision-maker in determining whether the alleged sex discrimination occurred must be objectively evaluated. This includes both inculpatory and exculpatory evidence, which the Department believes helps protect due process and ensures that all relevant information is considered fairly.

Defining “Relevant” Evidence

“Evidence is ‘relevant’ when it may aid a decision maker in determining whether the alleged sex discrimination occurred.” This definition clarifies that only evidence which could help in reaching a decision on the alleged discrimination should be considered. The Department of Education has stressed the importance of this clarity, ensuring that the evidence review process in grievance procedures is both reliable and impartial.

Exclusion of Impermissible Evidence

Despite the broad scope for relevance, there are strict prohibitions on certain types of evidence. The updated regulations exclude impermissible evidence regardless of its relevance. There are three main categories that the Department says must be excluded in an investigation, and they happen to be substantially the same as the 2020 regulations. They are

  1. Evidence that is protected under a privilege as recognized by Federal or State law
  2. A party’s or witness’s records that are made or maintained by a physician, psychologist, or other recognized professional or paraprofessional in connection with the provision or treatment to the party or witness (this can be waived), or
  3. Evidence that relates to the Complainant’s sexual interests or prior sexual conduct, unless it is
    A. Offered to prove that someone other than the Respondent committed the alleged conduct; OR
    B. Is evidence about specific incidents of the Complainant’s prior sexual conduct with the Respondent that is offered to prove consent to the alleged sex-based harassment.

Opportunity for Contesting Relevance Determinations

Parties involved in a grievance procedure have the opportunity to respond to the evidence collected, including raising concerns about the relevance determinations. This provision ensures that all parties can contribute to a transparent evaluation process and contest decisions about what evidence is considered during the grievance procedures.

Training and Fairness

The final rule also requires that all investigators, decision-makers, and any personnel involved in implementing grievance procedures receive training on what constitutes relevant evidence. The Department believes this training is crucial for maintaining the standards of fairness and impartiality outlined in the regulations.

Impact on Colleges and Universities

Unlike some of the other changes, these changes here are less likely to have a significant impact on how Auburn University and other colleges and universities handle Title IX cases. Much of this remains the same from the 2020 regulations, with the exception of a clearly defined definition for relevance.

Conclusion

The 2024 updates to Title IX grievance procedures represent a substantial changes regarding the handling of sex discrimination cases at Auburn University and other educational settings. For students, parents, and educators, understanding these changes is crucial to navigating the grievance process effectively. If you are involved in a Title IX case or need guidance on these new regulations, reaching out for informed advice can help ensure that your rights and interests are fully protected.