A4TE Urges Supreme Court to Affirm Appellate Decisions in Favor of Trans Students

[Washington, D.C.] - Today, the U.S. Supreme Court heard argument in State of West Virginia v. B.P.J. and Hecox v. Little, cases involving states policies that categorically bar trans students from participating in school sports consistent with their affirmed gender. Kelly Parry-Johnson, Senior Staff Attorney at Advocates for Trans Equality (A4TE) issued the following statement:

“The students—Becky Pepper-Jackson of West Virginia and Lindsay Hecox of Idaho—seek only to participate in school athletics on the same terms as their peers. Becky wants to be on the cross-country and track teams with her classmates. Lindsay wants to join collegiate club sports. Instead, both face state laws that impose blanket bans on trans student athletes.

“These laws are not neutral athletic regulations. They are sweeping exclusions based on rigid definitions of sex and arcane stereotypes that deny trans students equal access to school programs. In its brief, A4TE—joined by leading scholars in gender and LGBTQI+ history—places these bans in the broader context of the longstanding government-imposed, -endorsed, or -sanctioned discrimination trans people have suffered. When states single out a marginalized group with a documented history of discrimination, the Constitution requires careful scrutiny. Yet the states defending these bans rely on broad generalizations that do not justify categorically excluding Becky and Lindsay, or reflect the educational purpose of school sports.

“School sports are an integral part of public education. They foster belonging, confidence, and community. Excluding trans students from these opportunities causes real harm and sends the message they are not full members of their schools’ communities—an outcome that conflicts with fundamental principles of equal protection and Title IX’s promise that every student has access to free, safe, and equal educational opportunities.

“The Supreme Court should affirm that trans students are entitled to participate fully in school life and that states may not single out a group of students for exclusion based on who they are.”

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About A4TE

Advocates for Trans Equality (A4TE) is an organization that fights for the legal and political rights of transgender people in the United States. Introduced in July 2024 after the Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund and the National Center for Transgender Equality merged, A4TE is the largest trans-led advocacy organization in the U.S. and brings together experts, advocates, and communities to shift government and society toward an equitable future where trans people live joyful lives without barriers.