Comment on the Department of Energy’s Direct Final Rules

The OCR Alumni Collective filed objections to the Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) direct final rules which impermissibly and unlawfully attempted to alter longstanding regulations implementing Title VI, Title IX, and Section 504. Specifically, the Collective objected to: (1) DOE’s attempt to no longer hold recipients of federal funding accountable when their actions have the effect of excluding individuals based on their race, color, national origin, or sex; (2) DOE’s attempted recission of legally necessary provisions to protect persons with limited English proficiency; (3) DOE’s attacks on sports which would limit, not enhance, opportunities for girls and women; and (4) DOE’s attempts to upend access to buildings for persons with disabilities by rescinding access standards applicable to new construction and alterations.