Two Virginia school districts sue US Education Department over transgender policies
In a bold legal move that could shape the national debate on transgender rights in schools, two Virginia school districts, Arlington and Fairfax counties, filed lawsuits against the U.S. Department of Education on Friday, seeking to block the federal agency from freezing millions in funding over policies that allow students to use bathrooms and other facilities consistent with their gender identity. The lawsuits come after the Education Department said such policies violate federal law prohibiting sex-based discrimination. The department had urged the districts, along with three others in the D.C. suburbs, to rescind their policies or risk losing access to crucial federal dollars. Both districts refused, arguing that their policies comply with the law and provide a safe, welcoming environment for all students, according to The Washington Post. The stakes for students are high “Students are punished when federal funding, primarily used to provide free breakfast and lunch for over 8,000 students or counseling and education for special needs students, is ripped away,” Arlington Public Schools Superintendent Francisco Durán said in a statement, according to The Washington Post. “We strongly disagree with the U.S. DOE’s assertion that our policy violates Title IX.” Education Secretary Linda McMahon responded sharply on social media, writing on X, “It’s disturbing that these Virginia school division leaders are fighting harder to keep boys in girls sports and bathrooms than they are to improve outcomes for students. The Trump Administration will proudly stand for commonsense and protect our young girls.” Investigations and complaints The federal agency began investigating the five Northern Virginia districts, including Alexandria, Loudoun, and Prince William counties—after a complaint by America First Legal, a conservative group founded by White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller. The complaint alleged that districts were providing “greater rights to students whose ‘gender identity’ does not match their biological sex than it does to students whose ‘gender identity’ matches their biological sex,” according to The Washington Post. While no federal funds have yet been withheld, officials warn that the “high-risk” designation imposed by the Education Department could jeopardize up to $167 million for Fairfax, the state’s largest district, and $23 million for Arlington. The funding supports programs ranging from counseling and academics to free and reduced meals for students. Legal battleground: Title IX Legal experts say the fight centers on the interpretation of Title IX, the landmark federal law that bars discrimination based on sex in federally funded schools. Courts have split on whether the law protects transgender students, though LGBTQ+ advocates argue that failing to do so constitutes sex-based discrimination. The 4th Circuit Court ruling in Grimm v. Gloucester County School Board is often cited in support of policies allowing transgender students to access facilities that match their gender identity, The Washington Post reports. Trump administration pressures districts Under the Trump administration, the U.S. Department of Education has repeatedly pressed districts to rescind such policies, framing them as examples of “gender ideology” that threaten the rights of girls. Some districts nationwide, including Maine, California, and Denver, have resisted, leading to ongoing litigation, according to The Washington Post. Northern Virginia districts stand firm In Northern Virginia, where liberal districts serve roughly a third of the state’s public school students, local officials have doubled down on policies they say comply with both state and federal law. Revoking them, the school boards argue, would put them in legal jeopardy. “We have a responsibility to ensure that every child has the support needed to achieve their full, unique, and limitless potential,” the Fairfax County School Board said in a statement reported by The Washington Post. “We will not abide attempts to pit one group of students against another.” Supreme Court looming The Supreme Court is expected to hear a case involving transgender athletes in federally funded schools this fall, a decision that could ultimately determine the fate of policies like those in Northern Virginia. For now, the legal battle underscores the tension between federal authority, local control, and the rights of transgender students — a fight playing out in school hallways, courtrooms, and public debate alike. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights.
“Protect kids from tr*ns”: Antonio Brown sparks outrage with controversial post targeting transgender community
Former NFL star Antonio Brown has never shied away from controversy, but his latest comments have taken things to a new level. Known for his outspoken nature and unpredictable social media behavior, Brown is now facing backlash after targeting the transgender community in a post that many consider harmful and inflammatory. His remarks have reignited the debate over athletes, fame, and the responsibility that comes with having a large platform. Antonio Brown’s post that sparked a wave of criticism On August 30, Antonio Brown posted on X (formerly Twitter): “‘Protect Tr*ns Kids’, how about protect kids from tr*ns?” The comment, which quickly went viral with nearly 250,000 views, struck a nerve across social media. While some of his followers showed support — with one user, Nate Wiggy, replying with a “💯” emoji — the majority of responses criticized Brown for spreading discriminatory rhetoric. — AB84 (@AB84) LGBTQ+ advocates have condemned the statement, pointing out the struggles that transgender children already face in schools and society. Many argue that high-profile athletes like Brown should use their influence to promote understanding, not amplify division. A history of controversy follows the former NFL receiver Brown’s post is not an isolated incident. Once one of the NFL’s brightest stars, the former wide receiver has often made headlines for reasons unrelated to football. From public spats with coaches to abrupt exits from teams, and more recently, frequent social media tirades, his career has been a rollercoaster of brilliance overshadowed by controversy. This latest episode adds to his reputation for using online platforms as a stage for provocative statements. Critics say that targeting an already vulnerable community goes far beyond being outspoken — it crosses into dangerous territory that can fuel stigma and hostility. As debates over transgender rights remain at the forefront of American politics, Brown’s comments highlight just how divisive the issue has become. Whether his latest outburst will bring consequences or fade into the cycle of online outrage, one thing is clear: Antonio Brown continues to thrive in the center of controversy. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights.
Two Virginia school districts sue US Education Department over transgender policies
In a bold legal move that could shape the national debate on transgender rights in schools, two Virginia school districts, Arlington and Fairfax counties, filed lawsuits against the U.S. Department of Education on Friday, seeking to block the federal agency from freezing millions in funding over policies that allow students to use bathrooms and other facilities consistent with their gender identity. The lawsuits come after the Education Department said such policies violate federal law prohibiting sex-based discrimination. The department had urged the districts, along with three others in the D.C. suburbs, to rescind their policies or risk losing access to crucial federal dollars. Both districts refused, arguing that their policies comply with the law and provide a safe, welcoming environment for all students, according to The Washington Post. The stakes for students are high “Students are punished when federal funding, primarily used to provide free breakfast and lunch for over 8,000 students or counseling and education for special needs students, is ripped away,” Arlington Public Schools Superintendent Francisco Durán said in a statement, according to The Washington Post. “We strongly disagree with the U.S. DOE’s assertion that our policy violates Title IX.” Education Secretary Linda McMahon responded sharply on social media, writing on X, “It’s disturbing that these Virginia school division leaders are fighting harder to keep boys in girls sports and bathrooms than they are to improve outcomes for students. The Trump Administration will proudly stand for commonsense and protect our young girls.” Investigations and complaints The federal agency began investigating the five Northern Virginia districts, including Alexandria, Loudoun, and Prince William counties—after a complaint by America First Legal, a conservative group founded by White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller. The complaint alleged that districts were providing “greater rights to students whose ‘gender identity’ does not match their biological sex than it does to students whose ‘gender identity’ matches their biological sex,” according to The Washington Post. While no federal funds have yet been withheld, officials warn that the “high-risk” designation imposed by the Education Department could jeopardize up to $167 million for Fairfax, the state’s largest district, and $23 million for Arlington. The funding supports programs ranging from counseling and academics to free and reduced meals for students. Legal battleground: Title IX Legal experts say the fight centers on the interpretation of Title IX, the landmark federal law that bars discrimination based on sex in federally funded schools. Courts have split on whether the law protects transgender students, though LGBTQ+ advocates argue that failing to do so constitutes sex-based discrimination. The 4th Circuit Court ruling in Grimm v. Gloucester County School Board is often cited in support of policies allowing transgender students to access facilities that match their gender identity, The Washington Post reports. Trump administration pressures districts Under the Trump administration, the U.S. Department of Education has repeatedly pressed districts to rescind such policies, framing them as examples of “gender ideology” that threaten the rights of girls. Some districts nationwide, including Maine, California, and Denver, have resisted, leading to ongoing litigation, according to The Washington Post. Northern Virginia districts stand firm In Northern Virginia, where liberal districts serve roughly a third of the state’s public school students, local officials have doubled down on policies they say comply with both state and federal law. Revoking them, the school boards argue, would put them in legal jeopardy. “We have a responsibility to ensure that every child has the support needed to achieve their full, unique, and limitless potential,” the Fairfax County School Board said in a statement reported by The Washington Post. “We will not abide attempts to pit one group of students against another.” Supreme Court looming The Supreme Court is expected to hear a case involving transgender athletes in federally funded schools this fall, a decision that could ultimately determine the fate of policies like those in Northern Virginia. For now, the legal battle underscores the tension between federal authority, local control, and the rights of transgender students — a fight playing out in school hallways, courtrooms, and public debate alike. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights.
Minneapolis Transgender shooter had “anti-Indian and anti-Jewish Islamic propaganda,” killed 2 and wounded 17
Police said Westman was armed with a rifle, shotgun and pistol, and fired dozens of rounds into the packed congregation of children and teachers. US federal authorities are investigating a school shooting in Minneapolis that left two children dead and 17 others wounded as an anti-Catholic hate crime. The victims, aged eight and ten, were killed when 23-year-old Robin Westman opened fire through the stained-glass windows of the church during a back-to-school Mass. Federal officials have identified Westman as transgender and reported that suspect died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed that the shooter was a 23-year-old man claiming to be transgender. She added that the attacker targeted children during their first morning Mass of the school year and had written disturbing phrases such as “For the Children,” “Where is your God?” and “Kill Donald Trump” on a rifle magazine. Calling the act “unthinkable,” Noem added, “Our deepest prayers are with the children, parents, families, educators, and Christians everywhere. We mourn with them, we pray for healing, and we will never forget them.” The FBI confirmed that the attack at Annunciation Church and Catholic School is being treated as an act of domestic terrorism. “The FBI is investigating this shooting as an act of domestic terrorism and hate crime targeting Catholics,” FBI Director Kash Patel said in a post on X. Investigative Journalist Laura Loomer claimed that the Minnesota shooter had “Mashallah”, “Nuke India” and “Israel Must Fall” written on his gun, suggesting the attacker was influenced by “anti-Indian and anti-Jewish Islamic propaganda.” Police said Westman was armed with a rifle, shotgun and pistol, and fired dozens of rounds into the packed congregation of children and teachers. A smoke bomb was also recovered at the scene. “This was a deliberate act of violence against innocent children and other people worshipping,” Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara told reporters. “The sheer cruelty and cowardice of firing into a church full of children is absolutely incomprehensible.” Authorities are examining online videos and handwritten journals linked to Westman, which allegedly include disturbing references to previous mass shootings, antisemitic messages, and drawings of the church’s interior. Investigators are working to establish a clear motive. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz said President Donald Trump had conveyed condolences and ordered flags to be flown at half-mast. “This kind of evil should never happen,” Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said, urging the community to resist hatred. It is reported that a steady stream of mourners gathered outside the church in the evening, laying flowers and holding candles in memory of the victims. Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, said he was “profoundly saddened” by the attack. BY Bureau Report Courtesy : The Australia Today Note: This news is originally published on https:/theaustralia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights.
Two Bangladeshi transgender individuals residing illegally in India
The Foreigner Cell of North-West District Police, Delhi, has apprehended two transgender individuals residing illegally in India. The accused, Khaja Maynuddin and Rajeb Chandra Sarkar, were found to be Bangladeshi nationals living in the jurisdiction of PS Mahendra Park without valid travel documents, visas, or permits, the police informed. Apprehended individuals were identified as Khaja Maynuddin, alias Khatija, 27 years old, residing in Dhaka, Bangladesh, and Rajeb Chandra Sarkar, 39 years old, living in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Two smartphones installed with the banned IMO app, and two Bangladeshi National IDs were recovered from the individuals. The operation was conducted based on actionable intelligence gathered during routine checking, and a dedicated team from the Foreigner Cell was constituted. The team conducted raids in coordination with informers and intercepted the suspicious individuals near Jahangir Puri Metro Station and New Subji Mandi. During the investigation, photographs were recovered from their mobile phone gallery and Instagram accounts depicting locations in Bangladesh. Further interrogation revealed that they had undergone Gender-Affirming Surgery (GAS) to alter their physical appearance and were using various means to conceal their identity. Legal proceedings for their deportation are being initiated in coordination with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO). Earlier, in a major breakthrough against organized human trafficking, a team of Special Staff & Anti-Human Trafficking Unit of Delhi Police, assisted by J&K Police, busted a well-organized trafficking network operating between Delhi-NCR and Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir. DCP Outer North Hareshwar Swami told ANI that the case stemmed from another case registered at Bhalswa Dairy Police Station, registered on the complaint of a woman regarding the kidnapping of her minor daughter, age about 15 years, and her neighbor, another girl, age about 13 years. After initial investigation, the case was transferred to PS Bhalswa Dairy to AHTU/OND (Anti-Human Trafficking Unit) for specialized investigation. During the course of the investigation, technical surveillance revealed the presence of the girls in Srinagar, J&K. Accordingly, on 15.06.2025, both victims were successfully recovered and brought back to Delhi. Their statements before CWC revealed that they were lured by traffickers from Old Delhi Railway Station, transported via Jammu, and forced into unpaid domestic work in Srinagar. On the basis of facts, technical and manual surveillance, and inputs, on 14.08.2025, a joint police team arrested Salim-ul-Rehman alias Wasim (38 yrs, r/o Ganderbal, Srinagar) and Suraj (31 yrs, r/o Begampur, Delhi) from Prahlad Vihar, Delhi. Story by ANI | Posted by Vidushi Gaur Courtesy : Awaz The Voice Note: This news is originally published on https:/awazthevoice.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights.
French transgender chess player, who faced online abuse, wins national title; creates history
Yosha Iglesias, 37, has become the French Women’s Chess Champion, making history as the second transgender player to win a national chess title. Iglesias, who was ranked seventh in the 16-player knockout event in Vichy, France, secured her victory by defeating Women’s Grand Master Mitra Hejazipour 1.5-0.5 in the final match. Iglesias progressed through the tournament by defeating WGM Maria Nepeina-Leconte 3.5-2.5, IM Pauline Guichard 1.5-0.5, and IM Anastasia Savina 1.5-0.5 in the semi-final. During the quarter-final against Guichard, Iglesias played what she considers the best game of her career. “Nothing makes me happier than knowing my title might show young trans people that they don’t have to choose between chess and transition. I don’t want them to suffer like I did during the many years I thought I had to reject my trans identity to continue playing the game I love.” Iglesias follows Annemarie Meier, who won the German Women’s Chess Championship in 2003, as the second transgender athlete to win a national chess title. Meier, who no longer actively plays, shared her support for Iglesias. “It is a worldwide signal for the visibility and acceptance of us trans women, for our normalisation, an empowerment that alleviates our doubts about our right to exist. I wish that the public dialogue about trans women in chess and in sports would be conducted without fear, and especially without hatred, with respect from all sides,” told Chess.com. Yosha Chess Since her transition in 2021, Iglesias has advocated for women’s and trans rights within the chess community. She faced controversy in 2023 when FIDE implemented a policy banning transgenders from official women-only events for two years pending further analysis. Iglesias has encountered online harassment following her success. She addressed this challenge through social media, expressing gratitude to her harassers for helping build her mental strength. “At the beginning of my transition, I knew I would face much hatred. I decided to make it an opportunity to grow as a person and also as a player in the face of adversity.” The championship final concluded with a meaningful moment between Iglesias and her opponent Hejazipour. “When Mitra resigned in the final game, I let a few tears drop while Mitra congratulated me. Shortly after, she hugged me with a huge smile. That shows how classy she is, but also that we share a deep sense of sisterhood.” Iglesias plans to pursue the WGM title after recovering from upcoming surgery in October. She aims to represent France at the Olympic Games or the European Team Championship. “At 37, I’ll reach my peak rating in the upcoming list. That shows that life before transition is only half-lived, and that transitioning enables you to truly blossom. I’ll try to make it for all the years I wasted before I finally accepted who I already was.” Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights.
Transgender woman murdered in Salem
SALEM: A transgender woman was found murdered at Ponnammapet in Salem on Thursday morning. The murdered person has been identified as Saravanan, also known as Vanitha, 26. Vanitha was living alone in a house near Ponnammapet railway station. Her boyfriend, Naveen, 28, of Tiruchengode, visited her on Wednesday night. The murder came to light around 8am on Thursday when Vanitha’s sister, Maragatham, arrived there. On being alerted, the Ammapet police reached the spot and began investigations. Initial inquiries indicated that she had been assaulted with an iron rod, resulting in her death from a head injury. “We are currently exploring the possibility that Vanitha’s boyfriend, Naveen, may have been involved in the murder,” stated a police officer. A case has been registered. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights.
Kerala’s first transgender students’ hostel opened
KOTTAYAM: For the first time in the state, a hostel exclusively to accommodate transgender students has been opened on the Mahatma Gandhi University campus in Kerala’s Kottayam district. State Social Justice Minister R Bindhu on Monday inaugurated the hostel building, a long-standing demand of the students belonging to the marginalised community. University sources here said the TG hostel can accommodate at least six students. They also said the new hostel facility on the university campus is expected to woo more students from the transgender community to higher education. Minister Bindhu said there is a remarkable increase in the number of trangender students who clear the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) in the state. “In this circumstance, I appreciate the hostel project initiated by the MG University. The marginalised community are fighting various odds in life.We should ensure social support for them,” she told reporters here. Even families used to reject transgender people, and so society has a big role to play in their lives, the minister added. A transgender student said the hostel facility in the university is a boon, as the community students are finding it difficult to get accommodation and also to meet the soaring rental amount. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights.
Telangana high court directs registry to number contempt petition on transgender reservations
Hyderabad: The Telangana high court directed its registry to assign a number to a contempt petition filed against the govt for not implementing earlier court directions, including reservations for transgender persons in education and public employment. The contempt petition was filed against the chief secretary, principal secretary (social welfare), and secretary (Women and Child Welfare) as respondents. Although the registry earlier raised objections and refused to assign a number, the bench overruled those objections and directed that the petition be numbered. A bench of Chief Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh and Justice Mohiuddin passed the order while hearing the plea filed by Hyderguda resident Vaijayanthi Vasantha Mogili. The petitioner alleged wilful disobedience of the HC’s 2023 judgment that struck down the Telangana Eunuchs Act, 1329 Fasli, as unconstitutional and directed the state to extend Aasara pensions to transgender persons at the earliest, besides providing reservations in educational institutions and govt jobs. The court also ordered the constitution of a Welfare Board for transgenders with the member secretary of the State Legal Services Authority as a permanent member, tasked with monitoring welfare measures for their upliftment. However, even after two years, the govt neither enacted a law on reservations nor implemented the welfare directions, leaving many trans persons without pensions and facing economic hardship, the petitioner said. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights.
Quota for transgender persons in law colleges: HC impleads Bar Council of India in plea
Kochi: High court has impleaded the Bar Council of India as a party respondent in a petition seeking reservation for the transgender community in admissions to law colleges. The bench of Justice N Nagaresh issued the directive on a petition filed by a transgender student aspiring to join the integrated five-year LLB course at the Govt Law College, Kozhikode. The directive followed the state govt’s submission that its proposal to create two additional seats for the transgender category is pending approval by the Bar Council of India. The court adjourned the matter to Sept 7 for further consideration. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights.