Five middle school girls in West Virginia were barred from competing in a track meet after stepping onto the field but refusing to participate in protest of a transgender athlete competing against them in accordance with a court ruling overturning the state’s transgender sports ban law.
The girls forfeited their event and were prohibited from their next one as well.
In response, West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey filed a lawsuit against the school board supporting the girls’ right to free speech and expression.
Morrisey released a statement commending the girls for standing up for their beliefs and sacrificing their performances, saying they should not be punished but praised.
“I want to say to these students and their parents: I have your backs. You saw unfairness, and you expressed your disappointment and sacrificed your personal performances in a sport that you love; exercised your constitutionally protected freedom of speech and expression,” Morrisey said.
“These girls didn’t disrupt anything when they protested. They should be commended, not punished. 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 to be silent,” he said.
“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,” Morrisey said.
A judge heard the case involving the students on the same day the Arkansas governor signed an order in response to Biden’s new Title IX rules adding protections for transgender athletes.
