Idaho Congressman Joins Federal Push to Redefine Title IX Protections

Idaho Rep. Mike Simpson has signed on as a cosponsor of federal legislation that would link Title IX anti-discrimination protections to biological sex rather than gender identity, potentially affecting how schools nationwide handle athletics and facilities to remain eligible for federal education dollars.

The Title IX Clarification Act, led by Texas Rep. Jodey Arrington, would establish that the law’s nondiscrimination requirements apply based on biological sex. The measure comes after years of debate over transgender athletes’ participation in women’s sports programs.

Idaho’s Role in the National Debate

Simpson credited Idaho with leading efforts to restrict women’s sports participation to biological females, pointing to legislation championed by state Rep. Barbara Ehardt. Idaho became the first state to enact such restrictions, a policy now being litigated before the U.S. Supreme Court.

The congressman framed the legislation as a response to what he called attempts to reinterpret Title IX’s original purpose. In a statement, Simpson said Congress must clarify the law’s meaning to prevent future administrative reinterpretations.

What the Legislation Would Do

The bill would codify in federal law that Title IX’s protections are based on two biological sexes. Arrington described the measure as preventing taxpayer dollars from advancing what he termed radical social policies.

Under current Title IX provisions, educational institutions receiving federal funding must comply with anti-discrimination requirements. The proposed legislation would define how those requirements apply to sex-based protections.

Simpson’s Record on the Issue

Simpson has been active in supporting restrictions on transgender athletes in women’s sports. He recently attended a rally outside the Supreme Court as justices heard oral arguments in cases challenging Idaho’s law and a similar West Virginia statute.

The congressman also joined an amicus brief defending Idaho’s policy and has cosponsored multiple bills aimed at preventing males from competing in women’s athletic programs.

Legislative and Legal Timeline

The Supreme Court is currently weighing constitutional challenges to state laws restricting sports participation based on biological sex. Those cases, including one directly involving Idaho’s statute, could determine whether states may enforce such policies.

The federal legislation would move the question from the courts to congressional statute, potentially superseding administrative interpretations of Title IX issued by federal agencies.

Simpson, who represents Idaho’s 2nd Congressional District, is serving his fourteenth term in the House. He previously served in the Idaho Legislature for 14 years, including six years as Speaker.