West Virginia middle school students barred from track meet after protesting transgender athlete’s inclusion

May 3, 2024

Five West Virginia middle school girls who protested having to compete against transgender athletes have been barred from competing in their next event.

According to Fox News, the students from Lincoln Middle School in Shinnston, West Virginia were protesting a court ruling that blocked of the state’s “Save Women’s Sports Act.” Rather than compete against a biological male athlete, the five girls are seen on video stepping into the shot put ring and then stepping out without throwing.

That action constitutes a foul and the girls forfeited the event rather than compete with a transgender athlete. Fox News reports that a biological male finished first in shot put and second in the discus event at that meet.

West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey has filed a lawsuit against the Harrison County Board of Education with four of the five girls and their parents listed as plaintiffs.

Morrisey also released a statement saying, “I want to say to these students and their parents: I have your backs. You saw unfairness, and you expressed your disappointment and sacrificed your personal performances in a sport that you love; exercised your constitutionally protected freedom of speech and expression.”

On Thursday, a judge heard the case involving the students. Fox News reports the girls have since returned to competition.

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