Five West Virginia middle school girls have been reinstated to track and field meets after a judge ruled in their favor. The girls had been banned from competing after they protested against a trans athlete. Last week, the middle school girls were barred from competing in a shot put track and field event after protesting a court’s ruling to block enforcement of the state’s “Save Women’s Sports Act.” The state law prohibited transgender girls from competing against biological girls in sports. But, in a 2-1 ruling, the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals found the law violated Title IX, siding with the American Civil Liberties Union, its West Virginia chapter and Lambda Legal. The students’ reinstatement comes after a judge issued a preliminary injunction preventing the Harrison Board of Education and its schools from penalizing student-athletes for their speech. The school board denied allegations of retaliation against the students, and instead asserted the students were allowed to protest without hindrance and with full awareness and permission from coaches and the principal. West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey filed an amicus brief this week in support of the plaintiffs and praised the judge’s decision. “These girls didn’t disrupt anything when they protested. They should be commended, not punished,” Morrisey said in a statement to Fox News Digital. “We need to teach them that it is noble to stand firm in their beliefs and address their grievances within the protections guaranteed by our Constitution. “They need not be silent,” he added. “They have won by having their voices heard. So glad we were able to weigh in on behalf of these courageous young girls and that they are able to play.”
Transgender Athletes in Women’s Sports: Five West Virginia Girls Reinstated After Protesting
