Former President Trump's recent executive order defining sex based on biological factors has sparked both praise and controversy. The order reverses previous guidance that offered Title IX protections based on gender identity, instead directing federal agencies to implement policies rooted in a biological understanding of sex.

Conservatives have applauded the move, viewing it as a victory against what they perceive as radical gender ideology. Kristen Waggoner, president and CEO of Alliance Defending Freedom, believes the Biden administration's approach eroded women's rights and that Trump's order represents a return to common sense. She anticipates that states and local school boards will welcome the change, relieving them from perceived federal pressure to adopt certain gender-related policies. Waggoner predicts the order will have a significant impact on various areas, including education, sports, and access to private spaces.

The executive order mandates that government-issued identification documents, such as passports and visas, reflect an individual's biological sex. This has raised concerns among some legal experts about potential conflicts with existing state and federal laws protecting LGBTQ+ individuals. Education news source Inside Higher Ed notes that the order could impact how colleges accommodate transgender students and how Title IX is enforced.

Waggoner also suggests the order could affect policies related to preferred pronoun use in schools, citing cases where teachers and counselors faced consequences for refusing to use pronouns that didn't align with a student's biological sex. She argues the order clarifies that individuals cannot be compelled to express beliefs they find untrue.

The order's implementation has been met with resistance from some, including a Grammy-winning musician who is donating to support individuals seeking gender-affirming surgeries. Some blue states are also expected to challenge the order, potentially setting up legal battles over federal funding.

During the Biden administration, some school districts implemented policies allowing students to transition genders without parental notification, leading to pushback from parents and some conservative districts. Waggoner believes Trump's order empowers parents and school boards to enact policies aligning with their views on sex and gender.