Biden proposes rule for transgender student athletes that allows for some restrictions, opposes categorical bans

 (CNN) -- The Biden administration proposed Thursday a new federal rule change that would allow for schools to enforce some restrictions on transgender student athletes, but opposes policies that "categorically" ban those students from participating on sports teams consistent with their gender.

"The proposed rule would establish that policies violate Title IX when they categorically ban transgender students from participating on sports teams consistent with their gender identity just because of who they are," according to a public notice from the US Department of Education.

"The proposed rule also recognizes that in some instances, particularly in competitive high school and college athletic environments, some schools may adopt policies that limit transgender students' participation," it continued.

Education Secretary Miguel Cardona emphasized that "being on a sports team is an important part of the school experience for students of all ages."

"Today's proposed rule is designed to support Title IX's protection for equal athletics opportunity. We welcome and encourage public comment on the proposed regulation and will continue working to ensure Title IX's effective protection for all students," he said in a statement.

The rule, according to an Education Department news release, would provide a "framework" for developing eligibility criteria.

"For older students, especially at the high school and college level, the Department expects that sex-related criteria that limit participation of some transgender students may be permitted, in some cases, when they enable the school to achieve an important educational objective, such as fairness in competition, and meet the proposed regulation's other requirements," according to a summary of the proposed rule.

The proposed rule will have 30 days of public comment before going into effect.

This story is breaking and will be updated.

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