On March 4, 2025, Judge Wendy Beetlestone of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania denied a student’s request for a restraining order against transgender student athletes from participating in girls’ sports.
Background In The Case
On January 20, 2025, Holly Magalengo, on behalf of her minor daughter, filed a Complaint against the United States Department of Education, Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association, Inc., Quakertown Community School District, and Colonial School District (the “Defendants”).
Magalengo claimed that her daughter, a member of the Quakertown High School girls’ cross country team, competed in a meet against a biological male student athlete of the Colonial School District. Magalengo further claimed that “the biological male [student athlete] won the race beating out all of the female athletes.”
Despite contacting Quakertown High School for support in “protecting female athletes,” Magalengo asserted that her daughter was “again subjected to violations of her equal protection rights when she had to compete against [the aforementioned biological male student athlete].”
As a result of the foregoing, Magalengo filed the Complaint, alleging that the Defendants violated the Fourteenth Amendment.
The Hearing
On March 4, 2025, a hearing was held in federal court before Judge Wendy Beetlestone. Judge Beetlestone ultimately denied Magalengo’s request for a restraining order barring transgender student athletes from participating in girls’ sports, informing Magalengo’s lawyer that the request was too broad and actually excluded the aforementioned transgender student athlete that Magalengo was seeking to bar from the cross country competition.
Reports indicate that Colonial School District defended its policy for transgender students during the hearing, which has allowed transgender student athletes to compete on teams matching their gender identity since 2019.
PIAA’s Position
Also named as a Defendant in this case is the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association, Inc. (“PIAA”), which has recently taken action following President Donald J. Trump’s Executive Order, Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports.
Last month, PIAA revised its policies and announced that “where a student’s sex is questioned or uncertain, the decision of the school as to the student’s sex will be accepted by the PIAA.” PIAA further provided that “in accordance with the Presidential Executive Order…schools are required to consult with their school solicitor relative to compliance with the order.”
Bottom Line For Schools
As the President’s Executive Orders continue to be implemented, it is likely that school districts across the nation may face legal challenges against their policies, such as in this case.
School administrators are encouraged to review their policies and practices with legal counsel to ensure they remain compliant with all relevant state and federal laws. It is important to note that protections against discrimination remain under the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act and case law.
