ELKHORN, Wis. (Civic Media) — A federal court has issued a preliminary injunction allowing a transgender 13-year-old to use the girls’ restrooms at Elkhorn Area Middle School. The decision, granted on August 1st comes as the student, identified as Jane Doe, prepares to return to school in September.
Jane Doe filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against the Elkhorn Area School District (EASD), Superintendent Jason Tadlock, and EAMS Principal Ryan McBurney in March 2024. The lawsuit claims EASD’s refusal to let Jane use the girls’ restrooms violates her civil rights under Title IX and the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.
U.S. District Judge J.P. Stadtmueller ruled that Jane has a strong likelihood of success on her claims and would suffer irreparable harm without the injunction. The court noted the harms Jane faced, including social isolation and mental distress, and emphasized the public interest in equal treatment for all students.
The court’s order prevents EASD from enforcing any policy that denies Jane access to girls’ restrooms at EAMS or any other district school she may attend. The injunction is effective immediately and will remain in place throughout the litigation.
“We’re thrilled for Jane,” said her attorney, Joseph Wardenski. “It is unfortunate that EASD forced a 13-year-old to go to federal court simply to use the restroom.”
EASD Superintendent Jason Tadlock expressed disagreement with the ruling but stated the district would comply. He told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that privacy guards would be installed in the girls’ bathrooms.
Wisconsin State Senate Candidate Believes Voters Want Change in District 18
9/13/2024 | Teri Barr
Democratic State Senate Candidate Kristin Alfheim discusses respectful dialogue, compromise, and problem-solving on the Matenaer on Air show.
Two Rivers Police: Elijah Vue has been found
9/13/2024
Elijah Vue has been found. The human skeletal remains found in the Town of Two Rivers in Manitowoc County have been positively identified as those of the missing 3-year-old.
Apple Juice Recall
9/13/2024 | Jo Ann Krulatz
You might want to double check any apple juice you have purchased. Wisconsin State Farmer reports that several apple juice brands sold across the country are being recalled for arsenic levels. The recalls include two juices which were sold at Walgreens and Aldi stores in Wisconsin. Products affected in Wisconsin include: 100% Apple Juice; 64 […]
Police Investigate Separate Threats at Burlington and Kettle Moraine High Schools
9/13/2024 | Stuart J. Wattles
Investigations and increased patrols are underway.
Report: Wisconsin economy rises on strength of workers’ wage growth
9/13/2024 | Mike Moen / Public News Service
The state’s job market hit record levels in the second quarter and the inflation-adjusted median hourly wage has increased by 97 cents.
