US Supreme Court Blocks Protections for Trans Students

US Supreme Court Blocks Protections for Trans Students

Even as the Democratic National Convention rages on and queer and trans rights are being promised, the Supreme Court hits the LGBTQ community with a wallop. The Court has ruled that Biden's Title IX protections for people in public schools from sex-based discrimination and harassment cannot be enforced in 26 states. These specific states are involved in current anti-LGBTQ legislation that would be in conflict with these protections, with temporary injunctions preventing implementation.

Biden's expansion to Title IX protections was first introduced in 2022. Not only does it guard against all students, but it has specific guards in place for LGBTQ+ students in regard to sexual and gender identity. It also provides for gender equality in sports. The Republican-run states in opposition claim that such protections put women at risk and are illegal and undemocratic. Huh? Before the weekend, the Supreme Court made their ruling, 5 to 4.

 

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Opposers to the Supreme Court ruling are not just from the queer community. Women's groups are saying that the Republican agenda is using trans kids to roll back rights for women, using the trans subject as a scapegoat. It also affects students who may be parents or pregnant. It is important to note that students can still file personal lawsuits against the government and school systems if they feel their rights have been violated.

 

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We know that LGBTQ rights are a hot button this election. There is a definite line being drawn between the conservative and liberal sides where the queer community is concerned. This week's DNC is not skirting the issue and in the first evening featured LGBTQ elected officials Rep. Robert Garcia, and the first Black lesbian U.S. Senator, Laphonza Butler, both from California, Vice President Harris’ home state.

Beyonce, the Queen Bee herself, provided the music for Kamala's new ad campaign, which features the LGBTQ community as part of US history and pivotal moments. There's no mistaking the promises being made to us from this administration.

Beyoncé sings “FREEDOM” a cappella in new campaign spot for @KamalaHarris. pic.twitter.com/tgPeiEK3RI

— BEYONCÉ LEGION (@BeyLegion) August 20, 2024

But even with all of these promises, will the Supreme Court and other state-by-state legislation get in our way and continue to look into rolling back our protections and rights?

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