In a recent setback for the Biden administration's efforts to expand protections for LGBTQ students, a federal judge has issued a temporary injunction blocking the new Title IX rule in six additional states. U.S. District Judge Danny C. Reeves referred to the regulation as "arbitrary in the truest sense of the word" as he granted the preliminary injunction in Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.

This ruling comes shortly after a separate federal judge temporarily blocked the new rule from taking effect in Idaho, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Montana. The legal challenges from Republican attorneys general have posed considerable obstacles to President Joe Biden's policy, with at least seven cases backed by more than 20 Republican-led states.

The ruling in Kentucky was greeted with approval by the state's GOP attorney general, Russell Coleman, who argued that the regulation would undermine equal opportunities for women. Coleman expressed his satisfaction, stating that "the judge's order makes clear that the U.S. Department of Education's attempt to redefine 'sex' to include 'gender identity' is unlawful and beyond the agency's regulatory authority."

The Biden administration's Title IX rule seeks to expand civil rights protections to LGBTQ students, redefine sexual harassment, and provide additional safeguards for victims. However, it has faced vehement opposition and legal challenges from Republican attorney generals across the country.

In another related lawsuit, the Education Department has filed a request to a federal judge in Missouri to deny a preliminary injunction against the new rule. The lawsuit was brought forth by the Republican attorneys general from Arkansas, Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota. The department argues that enjoining the rule would significantly harm the federal government's interest in preventing discrimination in federally funded educational programs and activities.

The ruling of the temporary injunction in these additional states adds complexity to the implementation of the Biden administration's Title IX rule. As the legal battles continue, the future of the expanded protections and regulations hangs in the balance.