LANSING, Mich. — A federal judge in Lansing, Trump appointee Judge Hala Y. Jarbou, has issued an opinion to uphold Williamston Community Schools' policies regarding transgender students.
Some parents in the district had argued the policies infringed on their religious freedom and freedom of speech.
Two policies were adopted by the school board in November of 2017. The first says schools will accept a student’s gender identity or identity change if the student or their guardian notifies the district. The second says schools will work with students who feel uncomfortable using gender-segregated facilities, like bathrooms, and find an alternative that makes them comfortable.
The school filed a motion to dismiss the case, saying the policies don’t inhibit anyone’s freedoms. Judge Jarbou has granted the motion.
Jarbou’s opinion stated, “Plaintiffs further contend that Policy 8011 ‘requires the School District to allow students and other individuals to use the showers, locker rooms, bathrooms and other facilities of the opposite sex.' (Compl. ¶ 85.) This is by far their most specific allegation. It is insufficient all the same. Setting aside whether Plaintiffs’ rights would be violated if the school permitted transgender students to use facilities in accordance with their gender identity, Plaintiffs have failed to provide sufficiently specific allegations to satisfy the imminence requirement of injury in fact.”
The Williamston Community Schools released the following statement:
The Williamston Community Schools is pleased with the decision by the United States District Court, Western District of Michigan to dismiss in its entirety, the civil complaint filed against the Williamston Board of Education. The federal court affirmed the District’s intent to provide a safe and inclusive learning environment for all students. The policies cited in the lawsuit have proven to be effective measures during the three years since they were adopted. They provide guidance to staff and protections for all students. The District continues to equitably serve all students and greatly values the ongoing support of our students, parents, and the Williamston community.
Greg Talberg, past President of the Williamston Community Schools Board of Education and one of the named parties in the suit shared that:
I'm grateful that the courts chose to affirm the rights of all students to be included and supported in Williamston Community Schools. The court refused to give creedence to the misinformation and fear mongering on which the plaintiffs attempted to build their case.
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