Biden administration withdraws controversial proposals on transgender athletes and student loans, potentially complicating future policy shifts.
At a Glance
- Biden administration withdraws proposed regulations on transgender athletes and student-loan forgiveness
- Move seen as an attempt to prevent potential Trump administration from retooling policies
- Administration continues to support student-loan forgiveness, canceling nearly $180 billion in loans
- Withdrawal of proposals viewed as strategic move to add bureaucratic hurdles for future policy changes
Strategic Withdrawal of Controversial Proposals
As President Biden’s term approaches its final stages, his administration has made a strategic decision to withdraw proposed regulations concerning transgender athletes and student-loan forgiveness. This move comes as a surprise to many, given the administration’s strong stance on these issues throughout its tenure.
The withdrawal of these proposals is not indicative of a change in the administration’s stance on these issues. Rather, it appears to be a calculated move to prevent potential future administrations from reshaping these policies to fit their own agenda. An administration official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told The Associated Press that “the administration still supports the goals of its regulatory proposals.”
Ongoing Support for Student Loan Forgiveness
Despite the withdrawal of the proposed student-loan forgiveness regulations, the Biden administration continues to demonstrate its commitment to this cause. The Education Department has forgiven nearly $180 billion in student loans, despite facing legal challenges. This includes the recent cancellation of loans for nearly 55,000 government employees under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.
“The U.S. Department of Education’s successful transformation of the PSLF Program is a testament to what’s possible when you have leaders, like President Biden and Vice President Harris, who are relentlessly and unapologetically focused on making government deliver for everyday working people,” Education Secretary Miguel Cardona said.
Transgender Athletes and Title IX
The administration’s proposed changes to Title IX, which would have allowed transgender students to participate in sports teams matching their gender identity, faced significant opposition. Federal judges blocked the broader Title IX redefinition in some states, prompting the administration to attempt implementation of a narrower sports-related rule.
The withdrawal of this proposal does not signify a shift in the administration’s stance on transgender rights. Instead, it appears to be a strategic move to prevent potential future administrations from implementing more restrictive policies.
The withdrawal of these proposals is seen by many as a move to complicate potential future governance, particularly if a different administration takes office. By removing these proposals from consideration, the Biden administration may be creating additional bureaucratic hurdles for any future attempts to implement contrasting policies.
This strategy aligns with broader efforts by the Biden administration to safeguard its policy intentions amid the shifting tides of U.S. political leadership. As noted in a study by the George Washington University Regulatory Studies Center, the Biden administration has utilized various mechanisms to reverse Trump-era regulations, including withdrawals, regulatory suspensions, strategic litigation responses, and executive actions.
Biden is playing silly games – but that means he’ll win silly prizes. Let’s see what happens when Trump is back in office.
