Arguments made in a 2020 Title IX case against the Connecticut Association of Schools regarding trans athletes

HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — Arguments were made on Friday in a Connecticut District Court for a Title IX case against the Connecticut Association of Schools (CAS).

A group of four Connecticut cisgender female runners filed a case against the CAS in 2020, saying it was unfair for them to compete against trans competitors. The case was thrown out, and then a New York appeals court reinstated the case.

The Title IX act prohibits and sexual orientation or gender identity discrimination in education programs. The plaintiffs say that the case is about whether or not they were deprived of fair competition, arguing they missed out on opportunities.

“I think we want to vindicate my clients interest here…that these athletes suffered discrimination by being forced to compete at unfair levels and so we are seeking the recognition… and proper recognition that they were deprived of when they ran these races years ago,” Cody Barnett, the attorney representing the families, said.

They’re seeking to correct the athletic records.

Dan Barrett, the legal director of the ACLU, sent this statement to News 8 regarding the statements today:

“Oral arguments today included our continued defense of inclusive policies in Connecticut schools and school athletics. Transgender students are students, and deserve to have the same protections as their peers. Student athletes should be able to participate in athletics. Today, we again asked the court to rely on the facts of this case, and not to deal in hypotheticals. Our clients demonstrably played by the rules. There is room for everyone in athletics, and Connecticut schools should be proud that they refuse to discriminate.”

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