A federal judge in Texas has issued an order blocking the enforcement of the Obama Administration’s federal action forcing schools to open locker rooms, showers, and bathrooms for students, regardless of their biological status.
Earlier this summer, 13 states sued the Obama administration after its Education and Justice Departments had told schools to comply with the “guidance” or risk federal funding. It appears, for the time being, that that issue is moot; however, it is expected that the Obama Administration will appeal the ruling.
The judge cited the government’s failure to give the public an opportunity to comment as his justification for the block. The judge also took an opportunity to look at the intent of federal non-discrimination laws, arguing in his decision that “the plain meaning of the term sex meant the biological and anatomical differences between male and female students as determined at their birth,” and not transgender students, as the Obama Administration has tried to interpret.
This ruling means that schools will not be in jeopardy of losing federal funding this fall if they implement policies to protect students’ privacy and safety. You can read the Press Release from Texas Values here.
We’ll keep you updated on this story, and through a potential appeals process, here at FPIW.org and on our Facebook page.
