Judge Supports Transgender Athlete in School Lawsuit

A U.S. District Court judge has ruled that an 11-year-old transgender girl, referred to as 'Janie Doe,' must be allowed to try out for and play on her Hanover County middle school's girls’ tennis team while her lawsuit against the school board proceeds. The judge issued a preliminary injunction, asserting that the school board likely violated Title IX and the Equal Protection Clause by barring Janie from the team based on her transgender status. The American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia, representing Janie, argues that the school’s actions constitute unlawful discrimination. The judge emphasized the potential harms Janie faces, including social isolation, stigma, and medical regression, if she is not allowed to play. The school board cited fairness in competition and adherence to Virginia Department of Education policies as reasons for their decision. Despite these arguments, the court's ruling currently allows Janie to participate in the girls’ team for the 2024-2025 season.