Bill Mandates Sex-Specific Locker Room Use in Schools Under Title IX, Effective 30 Days Post-Enactment

New Rules for School Locker Rooms

The 'Keep Our Girls Safe Act of 2025' sets a new rule for educational institutions covered by Title IX: locker rooms designated for one sex cannot be used by someone of a different sex if members of the designated sex are currently present. This change is slated to take effect just 30 days after the bill becomes law.

Drawing Lines: What 'Sex-Specific' Means Here

At its core, this bill (Section 2) amends Title IX regulations specifically for locker rooms. It establishes a strict separation based on sex, prohibiting simultaneous use by individuals identified as being of different sexes. The goal appears to be reinforcing single-sex spaces within schools and educational programs. While proponents might argue this enhances privacy or safety for some, the practical application raises immediate questions, particularly regarding how 'sex' is defined and verified in this context.

Campus Impact: Inclusion vs. Exclusion

The most significant ripple effect is likely to be felt by transgender and gender non-conforming students. This rule could effectively bar them from using locker rooms aligned with their gender identity, potentially forcing them into uncomfortable or unsafe situations. The analysis points to a high risk of disproportionate impact (Section 2), restricting rights and potentially fostering a hostile environment. While the bill aims to address safety concerns for some, it simultaneously creates significant hurdles and potential discrimination for others, forcing a difficult conversation about balancing privacy with inclusivity.

The Enforcement Question: What Does 'Actively Used' Mean?

A key challenge lies in the practical enforcement of Section 2. The phrase 'actively being used' is open to interpretation. Who decides when a locker room is 'active'? How is sex determined or verified without invasive measures? This vagueness could lead to inconsistent application across different schools or districts, potentially resulting in arbitrary or discriminatory enforcement actions against students, particularly those whose gender identity or expression doesn't conform to traditional expectations.