The Politicization of Protection: Executive Power and OCR’s Shifting Role in Safeguarding Trans Students

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Sunday 11:45 am - Gold 4
  In Roundtable Session: Constructing and Contesting Equity in Education Policy

Abstract

This mixed-methods study examines how federal executive actions shape civil rights enforcement for transgender students in K-12 public schools. Drawing on OCR complaint data (2016–2025), court decisions, and executive documents, we assess changes in federal protections under Title IX. Guided by a legal-institutional framework, we analyze trends in complaints, dismissals, and litigation. Findings show declining OCR enforcement during conservative administrations and increased reliance on judicial remedies, underscoring the politicized and unstable nature of civil rights protections.

Authors

• Benjamin Lebovitz, University of Wisconsin - Madison

• Maggie Paino, University of Wisconsin - Madison