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Senator James Lankford of Oklahoma recognizes the 50th anniversary of Title IX, a law that protects people from discrimination based on sex in education programs or activities that receive federal financial assistance.

In a statement, Sen. Lankford said:

“… women are fighting again for the right to participate equally as they now face the challenges of biological males competing in women’s sports as well as privacy concerns in spaces like school bathrooms and locker rooms. We should celebrate the incredible progress and equality in women’s sports by respecting the dignity of women and girls across the nation through the protection of Title IX.”

President Richard Nixon signed Title IX in 1972.

Lankford continued, stating:

“Title IX states: ‘No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.’ By ignoring congressional intent and expanding the meaning of the word ‘sex’ through executive action, we fail to uphold the right of every woman to participate and compete on a level playing field.”

Lankford introduced the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act of 2021, which would make it a violation of Title IX for a school that receives federal education funds to permit a biological male to participate in a program designated for the competition of women and girls.