A Christian college in Missouri has taken its case to the US Supreme Court in a bid to stop the Biden administration’s policy on transgender dorms. The college claims that the policy, which requires colleges to allow students to live in dorms that correspond to their gender identity, violates their religious beliefs.
The case, which was filed by the College of the Ozarks in Point Lookout, Missouri, argues that the policy forces the college to violate its Christian beliefs by allowing biological males to share dorm rooms and bathrooms with biological females. The college has a policy that requires students to use the dorms and bathrooms that correspond to their biological sex.
In a statement released on Monday, the college’s president, Dr. Jerry C. Davis, said that the college is “committed to defending its religious beliefs and its mission to provide a Christian education to its students.”
“The Biden administration’s policy forces our college to choose between following our religious beliefs and participating in federal student aid programs that are critical to our students’ ability to afford college,” Davis said.
The college is asking the Supreme Court to issue an injunction that would prevent the policy from being enforced while the case is being litigated. The case is currently pending before the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals, which is expected to hear oral arguments in April.
The policy, which was issued by the Department of Education in June, requires colleges that receive federal funding to allow transgender students to participate in single-sex programs and activities, including sports teams and dormitories, that correspond to their gender identity.
Supporters of the policy argue that it is necessary to protect transgender students from discrimination and harassment. Opponents, however, say that it infringes on religious freedom and violates the privacy and safety of students.
The case is likely to be closely watched as it could have implications for other religious institutions that receive federal funding.
