The Energy Department can now ignore rules against sex discrimination in its education programs

The US Energy Department has removed its own rules against sex discrimination in education programs that receive federal money. This means the department no longer has to investigate complaints or enforce protections for students based on sex, including gender identity and sexual orientation.

The Energy Department funds various STEM education programs and research grants. This change means that if a student in one of these programs experiences discrimination based on sex, the department is no longer obligated to act. It effectively removes a layer of oversight for how federal funds are used in educational settings.