The Supreme Court has decided not to hear an appeal from Wisconsin parents challenging a school district's guidance for supporting transgender students. The case, originating from Eau Claire, saw an appellate ruling that dismissed the parents' lawsuit upheld by the justices.
Justices Samuel Alito, Brett Kavanaugh, and Clarence Thomas expressed interest in hearing the case, falling one vote short of the required number for full review by the Supreme Court. The parents contended that the school district's policy infringed upon constitutional protections for parental rights and religious freedom.
Sixteen Republican-led states had urged the court to consider the parents' case. However, lower courts had previously determined that the parents lacked legal standing, as they failed to demonstrate how the policy directly impacted them or their children.
The 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, including two judges appointed by former President Donald Trump, unanimously upheld the decision that the parents lacked standing. Justice Alito emphasized the national significance of the case, questioning whether public school districts overstep parental rights by supporting students in transitioning without parental consent.
The school district's 'Administrative Guidance for Gender Identity Support' encourages transgender students to seek assistance from staff members and advises employees to handle discussions about a student's gender identity with caution, considering that not all students may have disclosed this information to their families.
