The Supreme Court seems likely to uphold state laws barring transgender girls and women from playing on school athletic teams. Lower courts ruled for the transgender athletes in Idaho and West Virginia who challenged the state bans. But the conservative-dominated Supreme Court gave no indication after more than three hours of arguments Tuesday that it would follow suit. Instead, at least five of the six conservatives on the nine-member court indicate they'll rule the laws don't violate either the Constitution or the landmark Title IX law. Title IX prohibits discrimination in education and has produced dramatic growth in girls and women's sports.

The head of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has urged white men to report workplace discrimination based on race or sex. Andrea Lucas, a critic of DEI initiatives, posted on social media Wednesday, encouraging affected individuals to contact the agency. Her post followed Vice President JD Vance's criticism of DEI. Critics argue Lucas misunderstands DEI, which aims to create fairness for all, including white men. Former EEOC Chair Jenny Yang calls Lucas' focus on white men "problematic." Lucas has prioritized addressing DEI-related discrimination since becoming acting chair in January.

A majority of Supreme Court justices seem to be leaning in favor of a Christian counselor who is challenging bans on LGBTQ+ "conversion therapy" for kids as a violation of her First Amendment rights. Her lawyers argued Tuesday that the laws passed in about half of U.S. states wrongly restrict voluntary, faith-based therapy. President Donald Trump's administration is backing her challenge to Colorado's law. The state argues the measure simply regulates licensed therapists by barring a practice that's been scientifically discredited and linked to serious harm. But the conservative-majority court seemed unconvinced that states can restrict talk therapy aimed at changing feelings or behavior while allowing counseling that affirms kids identifying as gay or transgender.

 The Trump administration says California must change its policies allowing transgender girls to compete on sports teams consistent with their gender identity. The U.S. Education Department says the policies violate a federal law banning sex discrimination in education. U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon says California could lose federal funding if it does not comply. But the state says all students should have the opportunity to play. The issue garnered renewed attention in California after a trans athlete recently participated in the state high school track and field championship. The sports governing body running the meet allowed more girls to participate and medal in events in which the trans athlete was competing.

When he first ran for office, Donald Trump seemed like he could be a new kind of Republican when it came to LGBTQ+ rights. Years earlier, he overturned the rules of his own Miss Universe pageant to allow a transgender contestant to compete. He said Caitlyn Jenner could use any bathroom at Trump Tower that she wanted. And he was the first president to name an openly gay person to a Cabinet-level position. But since returning to office, Trump has engaged in what advocates say is an unprecedented assault on LGBTQ+ rights. The contrast will be on display this weekend during World Pride celebrations in Washington.