EVANSVILLE, Ind.–A transgender student will be allowed to use the male bathrooms at an Evansville high school, said a federal judge, who ruled in that student’s favor Monday. The student, who identifies as male, is the only one covered by a preliminary injunction.
An advocate for the student says other schools and districts across the country are watching what’s happening in Evansville.
“It’s not just EVSC students but it’s students in other corporations around here who are waiting to see if EVSC joins the 21st century. A judge at least for one student is saying yes you should,” said Wally Paynter, president of the Tri-State Alliance, talking with WFIE-TV in Evansville.
The school district’s lawyer, Patrick Shoulders, said he believes the case in Evansville or one like it, will end up in the U.S. Supreme Court.
The school district denied the student use of the male bathrooms, and the ACLU of Indiana filed a lawsuit on the student’s behalf in February.
“Our legal counsel is reviewing the ruling handed down on Friday. We remain committed to maintaining safe and caring learning environments for all of our students. Additional questions should be directed to EVSC legal counsel Patrick Shoulders,” said a prepared statement from the school district.
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