Judge Quashes Lawsuit Over Transgender Guidelines at Mesa Public Schools

The lawsuit was filed by one of the school district’s board members.

MESA, Ariz. — A Maricopa County judge has dismissed a lawsuit against Mesa Public Schools, which contested policies regarding the treatment of transgender students in the district.

Board member Rachel Walden initiated the lawsuit last November, aiming to nullify guidelines that support transgender and gender non-conforming students.

The lawsuit alleged that Mesa Public Schools was upholding an “unlawful policy” that facilitated student gender transitions at school without parental knowledge, according to court records.

The school district responded with a motion to dismiss the case, which was granted by Judge Danielle Voila on July 19.

The judge’s ruling explained, “Defendants assert that Plaintiffs’ request is really a request that the Court require MPS and (Superintendent) Fourlis to act in a different way. The Court agrees. Plaintiffs have not identified any law that requires Defendants to adopt or implement a specific policy.”

Judge Voila emphasized that the disagreement over district policies did not constitute a “justiciable controversy.”

She further wrote, “Plaintiffs are asking the Court to substitute its judgment for that of the Board and MPS in adopting and implementing a policy. The Court declines to do so.”

Ultimately, the judge determined that the plaintiffs lacked the standing to pursue the claims in the lawsuit.

Following the court’s decision, the district maintained that the lawsuit’s allegations were “unfounded.”

A district spokesperson stated, “This victory reinforces Mesa Public Schools’ commitment to providing our students a high-quality education in a safe and caring environment. We continue to deliver on our promise to know every student by name, serve them by strength and need, so they graduate ready for college, career, and community.”