Ruth applied for employment as a teacher with the state of Florilina elementary school. Ruth's application was rejected under a Florilina law that prohibited state employment of "morally confused" individuals on the ground that she was a lesbian. Ruth subsequently challenged the validity of the state law in a Florilina state court, asserting that it violated the Equal Protection Clauses of the constitutions of the U.S. and of the state of Florilina, the language of which is substantially the same. No Florilina court has ever interpreted the phrase "morally confused" as used in the state law.

While her state court action was pending, Ruth filed a proceeding in U.S. District Court seeking an order enjoining the Florilina school board chairman from enforcing the "moral confusion" law described above on the grounds that it violates the U.S. Constitution's Equal Protection Clause. If the court declines to grant Ruth the relief she requests, it will most likely be:

Select one:

a. On the ground that the question is moot.

b. On the ground that Ruth lacks standing.

c. Based on the abstention doctrine.

d. Based on the 11th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.