Cardona Dodges Questions on Transgender Athletes, Citing Pending Title IX Regulations

Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona declined to answer questions about whether he would let boys fight his daughter in sports or undress in front of her in bathrooms at a Tuesday hearing.

President Joe Biden’s administration released a finalized rule in April that extends Title IX protection to encompass “sexual orientation” and “gender identity,” but it does not address transgender athletes. Cardona refused to answer the questions from Republican Utah Rep. Burgess Owens, saying he would not comment on rules related to athletics that his department has not yet proposed.

Owens pressed Cardona for a “yes or no” answer but the secretary declined to provide one, saying he would “be happy” to discuss Title IX.

The Biden administration is currently working on a rule that would restrict schools from imposing a “one-size-fits-all policy” that allegedly discriminates against transgender athletes. Nearly 25 states have enacted legislation prohibiting transgender athletes from competing in female sports.

“The new Title IX regulations increase protections to all students, and increase protections for women,” Cardona said.

“This is why American parents are really concerned about this administration. You cannot answer a basic question that makes common sense,” Owens retorted. “I’ll say this. I know how to protect my girls.”

The education secretary has a daughter and a son. Cardona also repeatedly refused to answer questions on whether there are physical differences between men and women at an April hearing.