As the nation continues to adjust to new changes in the federal government, one recent ruling directly affects Slippery Rock University as a public institution.
On Jan. 9, the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky ruled in State of Tennessee v. Cardona that Former President Biden’s Title IX revisions made in April 2024 exceeded the Department of Education’s authority and violated the Constitution. The April 2024 Final Rule created new protections for pregnant individuals, changed the process for investigating sexual harassment and stated that discrimination based on sex would encapsulate discrimination based on one’s gender identity or sexual orientation.
This differs from the Supreme Court of the United States’ Bostock ruling in 2020, which enshrined that transgender individuals would be included when it came to discrimination on the “basis of sex” for Title VII. While both Title VII and Title IX concern sexual discrimination, Title VII regards employment and workplace protections, while Title IX regards educational environments.
What does this mean for Slippery Rock University?
As Slippery Rock University receives funding from the federal government, it must adhere to federal law regarding Title IX, in which SRU must adhere to the previous 2020 guidelines.
Due to SRU receiving federal funding, this means they must adhere to President Trump’s executive order to limit competition in women’s sports to athletes assigned female at birth only.
NCAA President Charlie Baker said during an address to Congress that currently there are less than 10 transgender athletes in the NCAA, which comprises over 520,000 collegiate athletes.
Following the Title IX changes, Slippery Rock University revised its Code of Conduct to reflect the new policy.
Slippery Rock University released a statement that read:
“As a public institution, Slippery Rock University is a place for all people to thrive. This may include individuals with accessibility and mobility limitations, socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals, women and gender minorities, LGBTQIA+ communities, and underrepresented racial and ethnic groups, and many others.” and “To members of SRU’s LGBTQIA+ community and their allies, know that our commitment to our values is our commitment to you. The Administration is resolute in its support of our non-discrimination policy that commits our campus to be ‘free from discrimination and harassment based upon race, color, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability and/or veterans’ status.’”
The Rocket contacted Slippery Rock University Dean of Students Karla Fonner, but she was unavailable for comment.
SRU Students React
On March 4, several students voiced their opinions on the new changes at a protest organized by the Feminist Majority Leadership Alliance. Students extended their concerns to other diversity initiatives that are facing heavy scrutiny from the Trump Administration, such as DEIB.
Students voiced that they are upset about the DEIB office name being changed to Campus Climate and Culture because they feel it is erasing DEIB terminology from the university. Many students’ concerns stem from President Riley’s communication efforts over the past few weeks, and they feel the subject is being avoided.
Students are asking that the university be more explicit in pro-LGBTQIA+ communication and language, as well as actions to back up that language. They want the university to promote pro-LGBTQIA+ programs like the Women’s and Pride Center and Office of Inclusive Excellence.
Dean of Students and Title IX Coordinator Karla Fonner said at the event that she would support students and uphold Title IX as it is. She encourages students to come and speak with her about the topic. Vice President of Student Affairs David Wilmes, while acknowledging he can’t speak on behalf of the president, mentioned that he is looking to avoid making comments every time something occurs on the federal level.
