VIGO COUNTY, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — A US District Court judge has issued a preliminary injunction in favor of the plaintiffs in a lawsuit against the Vigo County Schools Corporation and Terre Haute North High School.
In court documents filed on June 24, Judge James R. Sweeney II, presiding in the Southern District of Indiana, stated “When balancing this harm against the harm Defendants would face if preliminary relief were granted, and when considering the impact of preliminary relief on the public as a whole, the Court finds that the balance tips in favor of Plaintiffs and an injunction.”
According to the judge, the judicial precedent established through a number of separate cases leads the court to believe the plaintiffs will be successful in their claim that the denial of use of the male locker room and restrooms violates Title IX.
As a result, the court has ordered the school to allow the plaintiffs access to the boys’ restrooms and locker room with the exclusion of shower access.
“The Court also finds that denial of access to such facilities may exacerbate the negative consequences of Plaintiffs’ gender dysphoria, which may have a life-long, detrimental impact on Plaintiffs’ well-being, and that this constitutes irreparable harm for which there is no adequate remedy at law.”
The original lawsuit, brought by the American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana and Indiana Legal Services represents two anonymous students in their request to use the restrooms consistent with their gender identity.
In response to the order a spokesperson with Vigo County School Corporation said, “At this time, we are discussing with our board and attorneys to fully understand and adhere to the court decision in this matter.”
