Georgia Homecoming Dispute Raises Questions About School Rules and Gender Identity

CLAYTON COUNTY, Ga. — A high school tradition has become the focus of a policy dispute after a transgender student was prevented from entering the race for homecoming queen at Charles R. Drew High School.

Riley Williams, a senior, told Atlanta News First she had paid the participation dues and posed for a campaign photograph before learning she could not seek the queen’s title. School officials offered her the opportunity to run for homecoming king instead. Williams, who identifies as a girl, said that option did not reflect who she is.

Clayton County Public Schools defended its decision by pointing to what it described as the current federal interpretation and enforcement of Title IX. In a statement published by WSB-TV, the district said it uses birth sex recorded in students’ educational records to determine eligibility for activities with gender-specific designations. Officials also acknowledged that the district does not have a policy specifically addressing gender identity and participation on homecoming court.

The district told Atlanta News First that disregarding federal guidance could potentially threaten its federal funding. That was the district’s explanation for its decision; the statement published by WSB-TV did not identify a federal provision specifically requiring schools to restrict homecoming titles in this way.

Williams challenged the reasoning, arguing that concerns about physical advantages in athletics do not apply to a homecoming election. Georgia’s Riley Gaines Act of 2025 regulates school sports and access to certain restrooms, changing areas and sleeping quarters. The law does not specifically establish eligibility requirements for homecoming king or queen.

In a petition, Williams asked education officials to allow students to participate in school activities according to their gender identity. CBS Atlanta reported that the petition had attracted more than 1,200 signatures by October 1.

Williams also suggested a gender-diverse homecoming court as a possible compromise. She told Atlanta News First that her effort was about creating opportunities for future transgender students, even if her own chance to run had passed.