Title IX regulation shift

LEXIE THAYER
PHOTOGRAPHER
LAYOUT EDITOR

9/8/2025

As of January 2025, the federal court has ruled to effectively vacate the Biden administration’s Title IX regulations, deciding to return to the Trump Administration’s 2020 Title IX regulations and definitions.  

The Biden-era changes were introduced in 2022 to alleviate what critics thought were overly rigid definitions under the prior Trump administration. This shift was seen as positive for LGBTQ+ students and civil rights groups. 

Now, many features of this overturn will affect college students and their Title IX processes, with significant shifts in how institutions will address allegations of sexual assault and sexual harassment.  

On a fundamental level, Biden’s Title IX administration protected all students from harassment based on sexual orientation or gender identity. The 2020 Title IX limits this fluid definition, with gender discrimination being solely based on biological sex. 

Additionally, under the Trump administration’s Title IX regulations, sexual harassment complaints must meet more requirements than under the Biden administration.  

Evidence for new Title IX cases must be “clear and convincing,” with many forms of evidence now being rejected under the Trump administration, whereas a broader range of evidence was allowed previously. 

Moreover, the new jurisdiction scope is narrower, as only cases that occurred on campus or in education settings can qualify. For many schools besides Alma, for example, this means that anything that happens at a party or other off-campus social event is technically not enough to file a Title IX case.  

Mandatory live hearings with cross-examination are now also required, with many critics stating that it may make victims feel like criminals.  

“With these new Title IX policies, I’m scared that survivors may be more scared to step up. I feel like we should be making the process easier for those affected, but instead we’re making it harder,” said Hailee Risner (‘28).  

“I’m personally concerned for the LGBTQ+ community and any minority that may suffer from the shift. Like, why are we going backwards?” said Mayte Vasquez-Ceballos (‘28).  

The Title IX coordinator for Alma College is Dave Blandford, overseeing all Title IX reporting, procedures, and policy enforcement, as well as training and preventative initiatives. Blandford is very familiar with the changing policies, sharing his opinion on the new rules. 

“There are a couple of main ways that this may affect students. Despite these changes the Civil Rights/Title IX team remains an office of support for faculty, staff, and students. Our job at the end of the day is to end discrimination of any form on campus, and remedy its effects when it occurs.” said Blandford.  

For Alma’s specific Title IX policies and procedures, students can access information through Alma College’s website. 

Inquiries about Alma College Title IX procedures may be made internally to Dave Blanford, who is located within the Tyler-Van Dusen Campus Center.