School district settles transgender outrage case, dad and daughter receive payouts. Victory for freedom of speech.

Dad and Daughter Win Settlement in Transgender Locker Room Dispute

A Vermont high school volleyball player and her dad, a middle-school soccer coach, have won a settlement from their school district after being disciplined for speaking out against having a boy in the girls’ locker room.

“No one should lose their job or get suspended from school for voicing their opinion or calling a male a male and we are glad to see this case resolved favorably, not only for Blake and Travis, but for all students and coaches to be able to speak freely and without fear of retaliation.”

The Conflict

The conflict began in September, when a transgender student on the girls’ volleyball team attempted to use the girls’ locker room. Some claimed the trans student “stood leering at girls in various states of undress and refused to leave,” the Herald reported. Others claimed he hesitated because he was unsure what to do, but left after being yelled at.

Travis Allen and his daughter, Blake Allen, had filed a federal lawsuit last fall against school officials after they were disciplined for calling the transgender student “literally a dude” and raising concerns about him being allowed to watch while 14-year-old Blake and other girls changed clothes.

The Settlement

As part of the settlement, the Orange Southwest School District’s insurance company will pay $125,000, with $5,000 going to Blake Allen, $35,000 to Travis Allen and the remaining $85,000 to their law firm, Alliance Defending Freedom.

In addition to the cash payment, the lawsuit settlement “scrubs the records of Travis Allen and Blake Allen of any reference to the discipline,” the Herald reported.

A Victory for Freedom of Speech

ADF Senior Counsel Philip A. Sechler called the settlement a “resounding victory for freedom of speech,” according to the report.

In a written statement to the Herald, Travis Allen also declared a “huge victory for freedom of speech, not just for Blake and me, but for anyone who wants to voice their opinion on important topics.”

“It was worth it,” he added. “This has taken a toll on our family, both close and distant. It showed us who will and won’t support us even if they do not agree with our values. …  I wouldn’t change anything. We currently live in a time where you have to defend your values from some pretty radical ideologies.”

Conclusion

The settlement is a victory for freedom of speech and a reminder that everyone has the right to voice their opinion without fear of retaliation. It also highlights the importance of respecting the privacy and safety of all students, regardless of their gender identity.

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