Vermont High School Sues State Officials over Transgender Player Controversy

A Vermont high school is taking legal action after being banned from all athletic and academic events for refusing to compete against a transgender player. Mid Vermont Christian School has filed a lawsuit against state officials, claiming that they were unjustly barred from participation and suffered irreparable harm. The lawsuit was filed by Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF), a Christian legal advocacy group known for their work in defending freedom of speech and expanding Christian practices in public schools.

The controversy began on February 21 when Mid Vermont Christian School forfeited a game against Long Trail Girls High School basketball team, which included a biological male on their roster. As a result, the Vermont Principal's Association (VPA) swiftly took action, stating that the school had violated their policies on gender identity and commitment to inclusivity. The VPA's initial statement emphasized their stance against discrimination and harassment of students in school functions.

Mid Vermont Christian School, however, refuted these claims in their lawsuit, asserting that they were merely acting in accordance with their religious beliefs. The school alleges that the VPA's actions were discriminatory and that they were being denied participation in the state's tuition program and sports league based on their religious views. The small Christian school, located in Quechee, describes itself as intentionally non-denominational, emphasizing their commitment to education rooted in "the mind of Christ."

The VPA responded by ejecting Mid Vermont Christian School from their association, stating that if the school did not want to follow VPA rules, they could no longer be a member. The association's executive director, Jay Nichols, stated that the decision was a simple one and refused to comment further on the matter.

Long Trail High School had already participated in 20 regular-season games prior to the canceled matchup against Mid Vermont. According to the Movement Advancement Project, there are currently 18 US state legislatures that have banned transgender students from competing in high school sports, making Vermont one of the few states that allow it.

Vicky Fogg, the Head of School at Mid Vermont Christian, expressed disappointment in the VPA's ruling and asserted that canceling their membership did nothing to address the issue of safety and fairness in women's sports. The school believes that their religious beliefs should not be compromised in order to participate in athletic events or the state's tuition program.

Alliance Defending Freedom's senior counsel, Ryan Tucker, stated that the school and its families have repeatedly faced discrimination from Vermont for adhering to their religious beliefs. He added that no school or parent should have to change their beliefs to participate in athletics or receive tuitioning support from the state.

The Vermont Agency of Education, VPA, and Windsor Southeast Supervisory Union did not provide an immediate comment on the matter. The outcome of the lawsuit will be closely watched as it could have far-reaching implications for the intersection of religious freedom and LGBTQ rights in educational and athletic settings.