Judge Stays in Transgender Athlete Case Despite Pronoun Protest

A federal judge hearing a case challenging a college athletic conference’s decision to allow transgender athletes to participate on teams that reflect their gender identity refused to take himself off the case.

The plaintiffs’ recusal request was based on “‘unsupported, irrational, and highly tenuous speculation,’” Judge S. Kato Crews said Monday for the US District Court for the District of Colorado. Referring to Blaire Fleming, who played volleyball for San Jose State University, as she/her showed respect and courtesy, not bias and prejudgment, he said.

“The Court is duty-bound to show respect and courtesy to all involved in, or affected ...