Ellington

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Despite the first day of school fast approaching, a federal judge isn't ruling immediately on 13 states' request to halt an Obama administration directive on bathroom rights for transgender students in public schools.

U.S. District Judge Reed O'Connor heard arguments in Fort Worth on Friday from Texas and 12 other states seeking an injunction against the policy, and from federal attorneys defending it. He didn't rule right away.

In May, federal officials told public schools nationwide that transgender students must be allowed to use bathrooms consistent with their chosen gender identity.

State Republican leaders argue that undermines privacy safeguards.

Last week, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that a Virginia school board can, for now, block a transgender male from using the boys' restroom once school resumes.