West Virginia school girls' 'wonderful attitude' praised after video of protest against transgender shot put player goes viral

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA: In a powerful act of protest that has captured the internet's attention, a group of middle school girls from West Virginia refused to compete against a transgender athlete at a major track and field event.

The incident unfolded at the 2024 Harrison County Middle School Championships on Thursday, April 18, shortly after a federal appeals court blocked a law requiring students to participate in sports according to their biological sex, as per OutKick.

West Virginia school girls stepped out of events to protest against transgender athlete

The ruling, which was a 2-1 decision, applied specifically to 13-year-old Becky Pepper-Jackson, a transgender athlete who began transitioning in the third grade. Pepper-Jackson competes for the Bridgeport Middle School girls' track and field team in shot put and discus throwing events.

The federal appeals court stated that the law infringed upon Title IX, the civil rights legislation aimed at preventing sex-based discrimination in any educational institution or program receiving federal funding.

During the shot put and discus events, the five girls from Lincoln Middle School stepped in and then immediately stepped out, sacrificing any chance of victory to make a strong statement against Pepper-Johnson's participation.

One of the protesting girls later revealed that the transgender athlete ultimately won the shot put event during the championships. The participating schools were Washington Irving, Mountaineer (Clarksburg), South Harrison, Notre Dame, Heritage Christian, Bridgeport, and Lincoln. The protesting girls hailed from Lincoln Middle School.

Riley Gaines, a former competitive swimmer from Gallatin, Tennessee, praised the courage of the West Virginia girls on X, writing, "It's a sad day when 13-14yr old girls have to be the adults in the room, but I couldn't be more inspired by and proud of these girls."

Internet erupts in praise for the West Virginia schoolgirls

The internet erupted in praise for the West Virginia school girls, applauding their stance. One X user exclaimed, "Truly inspiring! Way to go ladies!" Another echoed similar sentiments, stating, "That is the best way to deal with this epidemic of nonsense."

A user chimed in, applauding the girls with, "Bravo to these young ladies, this is the best way to put an end to this nonsense!" Another commenter praised their attitude, asserting, "Wonderful attitude. That is the only feasible way to bring out the ridicule and obscenity of the whole proposition."

One user highlighted the girls' bravery, remarking, "Middle school girls showing more bravery than most men in this country." Another user expressed support for their actions, stating, "Awesome!!!! We’ll have to hurt a few Trans feelings to save Women and Women’s Sports. Well worth it."

A user commented, "Sports is about building character as well as ability; these ladies are fine young women of profound character." One user simply stated, "Non-compliance is the solution."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.