U.S. Supreme Court upholds West Virginia ban on transgender athletes

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled to uphold West Virginia’s law that restricts participation in women’s athletics to athletes assigned female at birth. The decision stemmed from State of West Virginia v. B.P.J., a case involving a 15‑year‑old transgender student who had allegedly harassed fellow teammates in a girls’ locker room. The student, Adaleia Cross, testified that the ruling "helps protect other girls, including my sister and friends" and expressed relief, saying, "I certainly feel relieved about everything." The ACLU, representing the transgender athlete, denied the harassment claims, while the Alliance Defending Freedom, representing the Cross family, asserted the allegations were sworn under oath. The Court held that the bans do not conflict with the 14th Amendment or Title IX, affirming that the statutes aim to preserve opportunities for women in sports.