A judge has dismissed a lawsuit filed by a member of the Mesa Public Schools governing board against the district over guidelines that support transgender students.
The guidelines allow transgender students to use facilities that match their gender identity and to use names and pronouns that reflect their identity.
Board member Rachel Walden’s lawsuit alleged that those guidelines violate Arizona’s parents’ bill of rights law. Among other things, that law sates that parents have the right to direct their child’s education and make all health care decisions for them.
But the judge ruled Walden did not have standing to sue as an individual board member.
In a written statement, the district said the “legal victory” reinforces its commitment to providing students a safe and caring educational environment.
KJZZ News reached out to Walden and the law firm that represented her for comment, but did not receive a response.
Walden did however, post on X saying she believes the decision was made in error and that she plans to appeal.
— Rachel Walden - Candidate AZ Corp Comm (@waldenpatriot) July 23, 2024
