MassEquality Responds to Supreme Court Decisions in Little v. Hecox and West Virginia v. B.P.J.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — June 30, 2026

MassEquality Responds to Supreme Court Decisions in  Little v. Hecox and West Virginia v. B.P.J.

WORCESTER, Mass. — MassEquality expressed profound disappointment, on the last day of Pride Month, today following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in West Virginia v. B.P.J. and Little v. Hecox, which upheld laws in Idaho and West Virginia that categorically prohibit transgender girls and women from participating on girls’ and women’s school sports teams. The Court held that these state bans do not violate either Title IX or the Equal Protection Clause of the U.S. Constitution.

The decision represents a significant setback for transgender youth and their families, reinforcing policies that exclude young people from opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive alongside their peers.

“Our hearts go out to the athletes who will now be denied the opportunity to play sports with their friends and classmates and to experience the many benefits that come from being part of a team,” said Tanya Neslusan, Executive Director of MassEquality. “Sports teach leadership, resilience, teamwork, confidence, and belonging. Every young person deserves the chance to develop those skills in an environment where they are welcomed and supported.”

While today’s ruling allows these bans to remain in place in Idaho and West Virginia, Massachusetts continues to protect transgender students from discrimination under state law. MassEquality remains committed to defending those protections and advancing policies that ensure LGBTQ+ people, especially transgender and nonbinary youth, can live authentically, safely, and with dignity.

“This decision is deeply painful for transgender young people across the country,” Neslusan continued. “But it does not diminish their humanity, their talents, or their right to participate fully in their communities. MassEquality will continue working with advocates, policymakers, educators, and allies to ensure that Massachusetts remains a place where every student has the opportunity to belong.”

MassEquality urges supporters to remain engaged in the fight for equality by advocating for inclusive policies, supporting transgender youth, and standing against discrimination in all its forms.