Education Action Alliance Disappointed as Department of Education Dismisses Title IX Complaint Against Liberty Elementary School District as Moot

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March, 18th 2025

Phone: 602-341-5543

Email: media@educationactionalliance.org

Phoenix, Arizona – Last September, Education Action Alliance (then GLSEN Arizona) filed a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education against the Liberty Elementary School District No. 25 in Goodyear, Arizona because the governing board voted 4-1 to make regulation contrary to the language in Title IX. Essentially, Liberty did not want to acknowledge, include, or support transgender students and staff. 

Based on the case law and updated regulations of Title IX, it’s clear that transgender students and staff have the right to use facilities that align with their gender identity; however, under the current administration, The Department of Education’s adoption of a revised Complaint Processing Manual in February 2025 has led to the Liberty case being deemed moot or unripe. While an attorney from the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights took great strides to ensure we received this information following our transition to Education Action Alliance - this news still raises serious concerns about whether the Department is fully upholding its responsibility to protect all students, including transgender students, and ensuring their rights under Title IX are enforced.

Education Action Alliance envisions a world where school communities are free from discrimination where students, families, educators, and neighbors can thrive and succeed with joy, regardless of where they live or who they are. This administration is dismantling any and all support for students and families, making clear we need strong local leadership. 

Education Action Alliance will continue to work to dismantle barriers and drive systemic change in education by engaging in public advocacy and activating school community members through education and collective action. Please join our collective efforts to hold local leadership accountable and support educators, students and families. 

Email us at info@educationactionalliance.org and follow us on Facebook and Instagram - @educationactionalliance.

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Education Action Alliance (formerly the GLSEN Arizona Chapter) envisions healthy school communities free from discrimination where students, families, educators, and neighbors can thrive and succeed with joy, regardless of where you live or who you are. We work to dismantle barriers and drive systemic change in education by engaging in public advocacy and activating school community members through education and collective action.