On June 30, the Supreme Court of the United States released a consolidated opinion in two cases concerning the rights of transgender athletes to participate in school sports. The Court narrowly upheld discriminatory laws in Idaho and West Virginia that prohibit students from participating on school sports teams that align with their gender identity. The decision is a troubling and fundamentally misguided interpretation of Title IX that is at odds with Supreme Court precedent and basic principles of fairness and equal protection. This decision represents an urgent call to action to state legislatures, state attorneys general, and state athletic governing boards to reject the stigma, discrimination, and assault on dignity inherent in transgender sports bans. We must call on our Virginia elected officials, school leadership, and sports associations to stand up for the values of Virginia and ensure that Virginia stands up to federal overreach, bullying, and discrimination targeted at transgender kids.

The ability to participate in school-sponsored sports is fundamental to students’ ability to receive an equitable public education in Virginia. School-sponsored sports provide real benefits to student athletes. Already, the Virginia Human Rights Act (VHRA) provides protections for all Virginians against discrimination based on gender identity. Transgender students deserve to access the same benefits as their peers from participating in school sports, and their exclusion is a violation of their civil rights.

Signing this letter campaign sends imperative asks to the VA Attorney General, the VDOE Superintendent, State Leaders, and the VHSL Executive Director that:

-State leaders publicly announce their support for allowing transgender girls to participate in and compete on girls’ sports teams

-State leaders, in collaboration with school districts and parent and student communities, call on VHSL to reverse their discriminatory policy.

-The Attorney General prepare for affirmative litigation in the event that the school districts' suit against the U.S. Department of Education is dismissed in the Fourth Circuit. Our school districts are standing up for their values of inclusion and non-discrimination, but they need the unwavering and vocal support of our elected Virginia leaders, including the Attorney General’s office. The Attorney General should also prepare affirmative litigation to compel the Virginia High School League (VHSL) to align its policy with the VHRA.

-The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) immediately revise the model policy on transgender and non-binary students, replacing the current discriminatory and harmful policy.

-The VDOE ensure ALL VA school districts immediately cease compliance with the VHSL transgender athlete ban, as it is violative of state law.

-The VDOE ensure ALL VA public schools to prohibit bullying or harassment of student athletes, particularly based on their gender identity or expression, and work to foster inclusive sports communities.

-VHSL repeal and replace its transgender athlete exclusion policy.