CHARLESTON, WV (WOAY) – The West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission says it is actively evaluating the United States Supreme Court’s decision to uphold a West Virginia state law banning transgender students born male from girls’ sports.
West Virginia’s law was passed by the Legislature in 2021 and signed by then-Gov. Jim Justice.
A transgender West Virginia student-athlete, Becky Pepper-Jackson, challenged the law with help from the ACLU on grounds that it violated Title IX. Pepper-Jackson won the West Virginia girls shot put championship this spring while the Supreme Court was deciding the case.
The WVSSAC says the matter has been sent back to the Southern District of West Virginia, and that court will hold proceedings and issue guidance regarding how the Supreme Court’s decision will be implemented.
“The United States Supreme Court reversed the decision of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit and remanded the matter to the United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia for proceedings consistent with the decision. The WVSSAC will be looking for the District Court’s guidance as to implementing the Supreme Court’s directives for the State of West Virginia and, accordingly, the WVSSAC. The WVSSAC appreciates the patience of our schools, students, and families throughout this process,” the organization said in a statement.
