Miguel Cardona, Education Secretary, defended the new federal rules that require schools to allow students to use the bathroom they choose. He said he was defending the rights transgender children who are “under attack” in our country.

Cardona, a Democrat from Connecticut who was pressed by Senator Cindy Hyde Smith, dismissed concerns that biological girls may feel unsafe, and slammed opponents of the new rules for “trying create division.”

Ms. Hyde Smith began the discussion on Tuesday by saying that the new rule turns Title IX of Civil Rights Act of 1964 upside down by allowing “biological men” to use the girls’ restrooms and locker rooms by implementing transgender policies.

She stated that curtailing girls’ safe space could cause some of them give up athletics.

Ms. Hyde Smith asked: “Do you agree they are eliminating safe spaces by allowing transgenders the choice of the bathroom and locker room they want to use?”

Cardona responded, “Senator we cannot choose which students to protect.” “All students in our schools deserve protection and this Title IX regulation ensures that all students, including our LGBTQI youth are protected.

The senator asked: “So, when a male biological enters a locker room that contains female biologicals, do you believe it is a place of safety for these young girls?”

Mr. Cardona responded: “When transgender students walk into the bathroom, you may not recognize them, but that doesn’t mean I won’t protect them.”

Ms. Hyde Smith tried again: “But you have no issue with biological males entering a girl’s locker room or a girls bathroom. You consider them safe under any circumstances?”

Cardona replied that the line of questioning was intended to divide.

He said that the rules were intended to assist students who, “unfortunately historically have been attacked in our country.”

Ms. Hyde Smith countered, “Nobody is attacking anyone at this moment,” she said. We’re talking school safety in the girls’ bathrooms and locker rooms.

The secretary stated, “I don’t say you are attacking them; I’m just saying that they’re being attacked in this country.”