A U.S. district judge in eastern Kentucky has blocked a U.S. Department of Education policy that supports transgender students’ rights, including allowing them to use bathrooms and play on sports teams that align with their gender identity.
The policy also requires teachers to use students’ preferred names or pronouns.
The ruling follows a lawsuit led by West Virginia Attorney General and Gov.-elect Patrick Morrisey, who challenged the policy as a violation of Title IX, a law promoting gender equality in education, which he argued was intended to protect women and girls.
Judge Danny Reeves ruled that the policy exceeded the department’s authority and violated the Constitution. The decision leaves open the possibility for an appeal, though it is expected that the incoming Trump administration may end the policy.