Virginia sued over guidance on transgender public school students
Two transgender Virginia students sued the state over recent guidance that prevents trans students from competing on sports teams consistent with their gender identities and allows teachers to refuse to use their preferred pronouns.
Two transgender Virginia public school students on Thursday sued the state over recent guidance that prevents transgender students from competing on sports teams consistent with their gender identities and allows teachers to refuse to use their preferred names and pronouns.
One of the cases was filed in state court by a transgender high school girl in York County, who said she was “singled out” by one teacher who refused to use her name and pronouns and instead used only her last name.
The other case was brought in state court by a transgender middle school girl who said she has been barred from participating in a girls’ sports team.
Both lawsuits allege that the guidance, which was issued last year by Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin’s administration, runs afoul of a 2020 law requiring the state’s Department of Education to develop policies that protect transgender students’ rights. They are asking the courts to set aside the policies.
The Department of Education and Youngkin’s office did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
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