# Plain Language Summary: Patsy T. Mink and Louise M. Slaughter Gender Equity in Education Act of 2021

This bill is designed to strengthen and update the rules that prevent sex discrimination in schools. It's named after two pioneering congresswomen who fought for equal treatment in education. The main goal is to make sure that students of all genders—including transgender and non-binary students—have equal access to educational opportunities, sports programs, and school facilities without facing discrimination.

The bill updates and expands protections that have been in place since the 1970s, but it modernizes them to address issues that weren't specifically covered before. This includes protecting students from discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, not just biological sex. It also strengthens rules around sexual harassment and assault in schools, making it clearer what schools must do to prevent these problems and support victims. The bill requires schools to investigate complaints fairly and quickly, and it holds schools accountable if they fail to take action.

For students, this means better protection from bullying and harassment based on gender or sexual orientation. It also means clearer rules about bathroom and locker room access, sports team participation, and dress codes—ensuring these policies don't unfairly exclude or harm any student. For schools, it means they need to have stronger policies in place, train staff properly, and keep better records of complaints. The bill also provides funding to help schools implement these changes and offers legal protections for students who report discrimination.

Patsy T. Mink and Louise M. Slaughter Gender Equity in Education Act of 2021

Hirono, Mazie K.

Patsy T. Mink and Louise M. Slaughter Gender Equity in Education Act of 2021 This bill requires the Department of Education (ED) to establish an Office for Gender Equity to support state and local educational agencies, institutions of higher education, and elementary and secondary schools in fully implementing title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in federally funded education programs or activities. The office may provide grants and perform activities to reduce or prevent sex discrimination in all areas of education. The office must provide technical assistance and annual training to title IX coordinators and develop a handbook for conducting self-evaluations of title IX compliance. The training must address discrimination based on multiple characteristics, including race, ethnicity, national origin, disability status, religion, age, or actual or perceived sex. The office may award grants to eligible entities and partnerships that apply to carry out programs and activities designed to implement title IX and prevent and reduce sex discrimination, including programs that increase access to resources. ED must coordinate with the Institute of Education Sciences and other federal entities to investigate, identify, and disseminate best practices to (1) reduce and prevent sex stereotyping, bias, and discrimination in educational materials; (2) address sex-based harassment and violence on campuses; (3) develop counseling and career guidance training; (4) mitigate implicit bias in teaching and discipline; and (5) address the needs of students who face discrimination based on multiple characteristics.