Pine-Richland School District asks judge to dismiss transgender students' lawsuit

PITTSBURGH — Pine-Richland School District asked a federal judge to dismiss the lawsuit made by three transgender students that prevents them from using the restroom in which they identify with, according to a release.

The school board voted in September to reverse the district’s policy that previously allowed students to use the restroom corresponding to their “gender identity.”

• RELATED: Transgender students sue Pine-Richland School District for restrooms

Lambda Legal, who represents the three students, filed a motion for preliminary injunction to stop the enforcement of the policy three weeks ago. Monday the school district filed an opposition to the motion and a motion for the case to be dismissed.

Lambda Legal released the following statement regarding Monday’s motion:

"The hard-line stance taken today by the Pine-Richland School District shows how far the School District has strayed from its mission to educate and serve all its students. The School District's argument is shameful and could have dire consequences for the safety and security of transgender students," Lambda Legal Staff Attorney Omar Gonzalez-Pagan said. "Schools should be a place where all students feel safe and able to fully participate in their education.  Today, transgender people, and in particular transgender youth, are feeling vulnerable and exposed. With its filing today, the Pine-Richland School District has turned its back on transgender students and told its student body that discrimination is ok. That is not only wrong, it is unlawful."

Cox Media Group