On September 29, 2026, the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) formally restored the Title IX regulations adopted in 2020. Because a federal court paused the newer 2024 Title IX regulations in January 2025, universities have been operating under the 2020 rules for some time. This recent regulatory action by the Department of Education formalizes the use of the 2020 regulations, rather than establishing new requirements, and university policy protections for our LGBTQIA+ community members remain in place.

Because GVSU’s Policy Prohibiting Discrimination, Harassment, and Misconduct already complies with the 2020 regulations, we do not anticipate making changes to the relevant policy or procedure. Importantly, our existing policy explicitly includes the protections required by Michigan’s Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act. This policy provides continued protection against discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression, regardless of shifts at the federal level.

The Office of Civil Rights and Title IX remains a dedicated resource for the GVSU community. They are available to help anyone impacted by discrimination or harassment connect with support.