The Department of Education on Friday withdrew a proposed rule that would have stopped schools from banning transgender athletes from joining teams that match their gender identities. The decision to withdraw this rulemaking was submitted to the Federal Register on the same day the Biden administration also withdrew efforts targeting student loan forgiveness. The decision halts a rule introduced in April 2023 that invited public comment on how Title IX—the landmark federal law banning sex discrimination in education—should address issues of gender identity in sports. According to the administration, the proposed rule generated over 150,000 public comments, ranging from outright opposition to suggestions for modifications. Additionally, ongoing lawsuits challenging the interpretation of Title IX in cases involving gender identity and sports influenced the decision to step back….