Transgender athlete to compete for Bridgeport at state track meet amid pending lawsuit

BRIDGEPORT, W.Va (WDTV) - The West Virginia High School State Track Meet begins this weekend, and dozens of students from across the state are set to compete, including a transgender athlete from Bridgeport High School. The student — Becky Pepper Jackson — has been the center of various legal battles throughout the last four years.

In 2021, the ‘Save Women’s Sports Act’ was adopted into state law. The bill banned transgender athletes from competing in female sports in West Virginia schools.

However, in 2023, Pepper Jackson was granted an injunction to play on her high school track and field team after filing a lawsuit challenging the ban. She is now able to compete in the statewide competition this weekend under the same injunction.

Although the lawsuit is still pending, the future of transgender athletes in West Virginia is unclear, as Governor Patrick Morrisey has been a vocal advocate of the ‘Save Women’s Sports Act.’

After the injunction was granted, Morrisey signed a petition asking for the case to be considered by the U.S. Supreme Court, and earlier this year, he released a statement asking coaches to allow student protests against transgender competitors.

The state track meet continues throughout the weekend. Be sure to tune in to 5 News as we bring you updates from the event.

Prior coverage:

• Gov. Morrisey asks track and field coaches to allow protests against transgender athletes
• Attorney General Morrisey gives update on fight to defend WV’s Save Women’s Sports Act
• Judge rules to allow transgender athlete to compete in W.Va.
• Trans girl from Bridgeport can run girls track, Supreme Court says
• EXCLUSIVE: Meet one of the girls who protested playing against transgender athlete in Harrison County