More Likely Than Not, an ATIXA podcast, is for general information, educational, and discussion purposes only. It’s not legal advice. If you are navigating a specific issue, always consult with your institution’s general counsel or a qualified attorney familiar with Title IX and applicable state laws. Your specific facts, policy, context, and, of course, state laws matter.

In the first episode of 2026, More Likely Than Not returns with a candid look at the familiar chaos facing compliance professionals. Kayleigh and Joe set the tone for a year where adaptability, judgment, and institutional awareness are expected to be essential to maintaining a steady compliance program.

They start by digging into early indicators of federal enforcement priorities. Recent comments from U.S. Department of Education Secretary Linda McMahon signal a potential pivot from higher education to elementary and secondary education, which could reshape how institutions across sectors approach risk.

Kayleigh and Joe emphasize that Title VI compliance and infrastructure remain key priorities. They discuss proposed federal legislation from U.S. Representative Jerry Nadler and others that would require a Title VI coordinator on every college campus, and a recent California case addressing whether schools can restrict teachers from informing parents when a student is transgender.

The hosts offer three New Year’s resolutions for practitioners: spend 30 minutes daily on the ATIXA Listserv, build relationships with key school stakeholders, and reread the 2020 Title IX regulations and preamble to reconnect with their guiding principles.

If you’re trying to stay grounded while enforcement priorities and legal signals shift, then we’re more likely than not covering it in this week’s episode.