Washington-The U.S. Supreme Court today issued decisions in West Virginia v. B.P.J. and Little v. Hecox, two high-profile cases challenging laws in West Virginia and Idaho that bar transgender student-athletes from joining the same sports teams as peers who express the same gender. The National Education Association filed an amicus brief advocating for inclusive athletics for every student.

The following statement can be attributed to NEA President Becky Pringle:

"As a nation, we long ago decided that discrimination is wrong and that everyone, regardless of their gender, race, or place, deserves an equal opportunity to succeed. That commitment must include transgender youth, who, like all students, deserve the chance to fully participate in school, thrive, and prepare for their future. Sports teach young people leadership, confidence, self-discipline, and teamwork, lessons no child should be denied because of who they are.

"Today's Supreme Court decision in B.P.J and Hecox. ignores the voices of educators, who understand the value of access to school sports and the importance of inclusion and belonging. This decision will inflict real, lasting harm not only on transgender student-athletes, who are already marginalized and vulnerable to bullying and violence, but students of all genders. It will subject cisgender girls and women to invasive gender-policing and scrutiny. And it will enable politicians to erect new barriers that prevent every student from having equal opportunity in education, as our country's civil rights laws have long mandated.

"We will not rest until every student has fully resourced, inclusive, and supportive schools-including where LGBTQ+ youth are free to be their authentic selves and pursue their dreams."

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The National Education Association is the nation's largest professional employee organization, representing more than 3 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators, students preparing to become teachers, healthcare workers, and public employees. Learn more at www.nea.org.