Supreme Court to Decide in Va. Transgender Student Can Use Boy's Bathroom
BALTIMORE (WJZ)--The Supreme Court will soon decide if a Virginia high school student, who was born female but identifies as male, can use the boy's bathroom.
Gavin Grimm,17, is a transgender high school student fighting to use the boy's bathroom.
His battle with the Gloucester County Public School District in Virginia is now making its way to the Supreme Court.
Attorney Jer Welter, with Free State Justice, is suing Talbot County Schools for failing to accommodate a transgender student.
He says the high court's ruling could help decide similar cases.
"It will have an effect on cases and on schools and on myriad other context," said Welter.
The Obama administration says transgender students should be allowed to use restrooms and locker rooms consistent with their gender identities.
The White House directive is beefing up its anti-discrimination law in public schools, sparking controversy in Anne Arundel County. Their new policy allows transgender students to use bathrooms, locker rooms and go on overnight trips with the gender in which they identify.
"I think that this was done, quite much of it in the dark," said Amalie Brandenburg, an Anne Arundel County education adviser earlier this year.
For Grimm, the two-year battle is about coming out of the shadows.
"To me this is one way that the school is saying we don't believe that who you are is legitimate," Grimm said.
Grimm will not be able to use the boy's bathroom until the ruling.
The Supreme Court is expected to hear arguments in the case this winter. The ruling is expected to be delivered in June.
There are currently 8 justices on the Supreme Court.
In order for the decision to set a nationwide precedent, the 9th seat must be filled.
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