Georgia school district invokes federal law to deny trans girl a shot at homecoming queen

A Georgia high school won’t let a transgender girl run for homecoming queen. Now she’s challenging the restrictions that kept her off the ballot and pushing for other transgender students to have an equal chance to participate.Riley Williams, a student at Charles R. Drew High School in Riverdale, launched a Change.org petition on September 22 calling for schools to allow students to participate in activities such as homecoming based on their gender identity.“I faced an unfair situation that many may not realize exists in schools across our state. I was barred from running for homecoming queen because of a state policy that enforces traditional gender roles on students, particularly targeting transgender individuals,” Williams wrote. “The policy in question requires students to run for homecoming court positions based strictly on the gender assigned at birth, ignoring their authentic gender identity. This not only infringes upon the rights of transgender students like myself, but it also promotes an environment of exclusion and discrimination.”Related: Evan Bialosuknia Makes History as School's 1st Trans Homecoming QueenClayton County Public Schools, however, attributed its decision to its interpretation of federal requirements rather than a state policy. In a statement to Atlanta ABC affiliate WSB-TV, the school district said it was committed to providing a supportive environment for all students.“However, we also must acknowledge the District’s responsibility to comply with applicable federal requirements. As a public school system, CCPS is required to operate in accordance with federal law, regulations, and guidance. Under the current federal interpretation and enforcement of Title IX, gender-based distinctions are recognized based on biological sex,” the statement said.“Accordingly, where participation in a school activity involves a designation based specifically on gender, the District relies upon the birth gender reflected in a student’s