Supreme Court Upholds Transgender Student’s Right to Use Boys’ Restrooms at South Carolina School

The Supreme Court recently decided not to block a transgender boy from using the boys’ restrooms in his school. This follows South Carolina’s new law aimed at restricting transgender students’ bathroom access.

The court’s decision was brief, emphasizing that it does not address the key legal issues involved. Three conservative justices—Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, and Neil Gorsuch—would have supported the state’s request. The primary concern was whether a ninth grader, referred to as John Doe, could use the boys’ restroom while the legal case unfolds.

South Carolina’s lawmakers have threatened to cut funding for schools that don’t enforce these restrictions. Doe’s parents argue that such measures breach the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment and Title IX, which prohibits discrimination in education.

So far, a federal judge has not ruled on these issues but did decline Doe’s request to use his chosen restroom during the case. This situation is not unique; last August, a similar case was approved by the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, prompting South Carolina to appeal to the Supreme Court.

Looking ahead, the Supreme Court’s new term will tackle significant cases, including one about state laws that ban transgender athletes from girls’ and women’s sports. Recent studies reveal a rising number of transgender youth in the U.S., increasing talks about their rights and inclusion in schools. According to a 2021 report from the Trevor Project, 42% of LGBTQ+ youth seriously considered suicide in the past year. This underlines the importance of understanding and supporting these young individuals.

As society grapples with these issues, the voices of experts in law and mental health stress the necessity of creating safe environments for all students. Understanding different identities and fostering acceptance can help reduce the distress many LGBTQ+ youth face today.



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