San Diego State settles a historic Title IX lawsuit, K12 programs could see massive cuts in 2027, and higher education continues to redefine DEI programs.

Higher Education

Judge approves historic Title IX settlement for female athletes.

San Diego State University (SDSU) made history as the first ever school to pay damages to women athletes for unequal athletic financial aid. The lawsuit, filed in 2022, said that the university deprived its female athletes of equal scholarship money compared to male athletes. The landmark settlement will pay the 798 former athletes a combined $300,000 in damages for violating Title IX law. SDSU did not admit any wrongdoing but did agree to an independent gender-equity review of its athletics department. Experts say that this landmark case is expected to prompt similar lawsuits.

K-12

Trump’s proposed 2027 budget slashes $8.5 billion from K12 programs.

The Department of Education (DOE) faces a 3% cut in funding under Trump’s 2027 budget proposal. The cuts would eliminate DEI-supporting programs in K12 schools, totaling $2.1 billion, including: 

• $70 million for Teacher Quality Partnership grants, which help diversify the teacher workforce.
• $7 million for Equity Assistance Centers, originally created for desegregation efforts.
• $890 million for English Language Acquisition, aimed to help districts support English language learners.

Other proposed cuts include programs aimed at closing achievement gaps and supporting immigrant students. The budget request would also finalize shifting DOE’s career and technical education programs to the Department of Labor.

The Trump administration says the budget aims to “return education to the states” and better prioritize public education funding. Critics of the proposal argue that the cuts minimize states’ accountability and put historically marginalized students at risk.

DEI

The University of Missouri (Mizzou) terminates funding for several DEI-affiliated student organizations.

In light of DEI restrictions put in place by the Department of Justice (DOJ), Mizzou discontinued university funding for the Legion of Black Collegians, its longstanding Black student government, as well as four other minority-affinity groups. Mizzou will no longer recognize the groups as university-sponsored organizations. The University’s spokesperson clarified that while student fees no longer automatically provide their funding, the organizations may still apply for funding like all other recognized student organizations. Members of the Legion of Black Collegians criticized the decision, saying that it limits the ability for Black students to find their community on campus.

Legal Updates

The Supreme Court allows for LGBTQ+ conversion therapy.

The US Supreme Court struck down a Colorado law that banned conversion therapy for the LGBTQ+ community, siding 8-1 with a therapist who argued that the state’s law violated her free speech protections. “Conversion therapy,” widely discredited among health professionals, aims to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity. Colorado officials argued that the law did not violate free speech but instead centered on professional conduct for those providing mental health treatment. Other critics argue that conversion therapy is ineffective and harmful, increasing the risk of suicide for those who experience it.

How We Can Help

As education professionals stay informed of all federal updates and prepare for their impact, TIXC can help keep your schools compliant. For general up-to-date information and how it affects you and your institution, join us for TIXC Thursdays on the first Thursday of every month. For more information about our consulting services, including advising, hearing adjudication, and investigation, contact us at info@titleixconsult.com.