Washington wrestler's Supreme Court petition could shape Title IX rules for transgender athletes

Kallie Keeler, a junior wrestler from Washington, and her mother have petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court for an emergency order after Keeler alleges a transgender opponent sexually assaulted her during a December 2025 girls’ match. Represented by Alliance Defending Freedom senior counsel Hal Frampton, the request seeks a temporary injunction that would prevent Keeler from being matched against a biological male, while also aiming for a broader ruling that Title IX mandates a distinct female sports category.

The Ninth Circuit denied a similar request in September, citing insufficient emergency and privacy concerns, and state prosecutors declined to charge the opponent for lack of proof. The petition has drawn backing from 24 states and an amicus brief from the Independent Council on Women’s Sports, which argues that schools bear responsibility for protecting female athletes under Title IX. Justice Elena Kagan has asked for responses by Oct. 13, and the outcome could influence policy in 23 states that currently allow transgender participation in girls’ sports.