The Supreme Court recently upheld two state laws that prevent transgender female athletes from joining girls’ and women’s sports teams. These laws, from West Virginia and Idaho, also impact 25 other states with similar rules. This decision affects athletes competing in school and collegiate sports throughout the country.
The Trump administration supported these state bans, targeting transgender athletes’ participation in sports. President Trump instructed federal agencies last year to pull funding from schools permitting transgender athletes in girls’ and women’s sports.
Though it impacts a small group, many advocates believe defending their inclusion is crucial. It sets a precedent impacting high school and college sports and could extend to other areas.
The ruling on the West Virginia law ends Becky Pepper-Jackson’s high school sports career. As a litigant in the case, she first sued to remain on her school’s track and field team at age 11. By her sophomore year, she had become a state champion in shot put.
The justices determined that West Virginia and Idaho’s laws do not violate the Constitution by barring transgender female athletes from girls’ and women’s sports teams.