A coalition of 24 philosophy professors has filed an amicus brief in support of the states of Idaho and West Virginia in the cases West Virginia v. B.P.J. and Bradley Little v. Lindsay Hecox. They argue that categorizing sports by biological sex—not gender identity—is both philosophically justified and necessary to protect fairness in female athletics.
The brief emphasizes that “sex” constitutes a natural category akin to age or weight, which can fairly govern sports classifications. It contends that allowing participation based on gender identity creates a “gerrymandered” category that undermines women’s sports.
According to the filing, Idaho and West Virginia enacted laws restricting female athletics to biological females in response to what they characterize as competitive and safety disadvantages when biological males compete in women’s sports. The professors claim these laws are not discriminatory but are designed to preserve female‑only divisions.
Among the signees are professors affiliated with institutions such as University of Oxford, University of Virginia, University of Notre Dame, and University of Florida.
The upcoming Supreme Court decision will have implications not only for women’s sports but also for how American society treats biological sex, gender identity, and equality under law.
