A federal appeals court has decided to revisit its earlier ruling that upheld the Olentangy Local School District’s policies aimed at protecting transgender students from bullying, a decision challenged by the conservative group Parents Defending Education.
The 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals will hear arguments on March 19, 2025, involving the school district’s prohibition on “misgendering” students, which includes not using their preferred pronouns.
The Olentangy school district, Ohio’s fourth-largest, has implemented policies to prevent bullying based on various factors, including gender identity, and to maintain a respectful environment for all students. In a previous ruling, a divided three-judge panel determined that the plaintiffs were unlikely to prove that these policies violated the First Amendment, affirming a lower court’s decision to deny an injunction against enforcement.
However, the dissenting judge raised concerns about the policies potentially infringing on students’ rights. The recent order to vacate the earlier panel’s decision indicates a renewed examination of the case, reflecting ongoing national debates surrounding transgender rights in schools.
Parents Defending Education argues that the district’s policies impose governmental views on gender and sexuality on students and parents. The president of the group expressed gratitude for the opportunity to have the case reheard, emphasizing the importance of parental rights in education.
The case is being closely watched as it relates to broader discussions about the rights of transgender students and the authority of school districts to enforce inclusive policies.
