Portland Mother Resolves Legal Dispute with School Over Gender Curriculum

Meriwether Lewis Elementary School in Portland, Oregon, was involved in a lawsuit between a local mother and her children’s school district. The conflict arose from disagreements over a new gender curriculum.

Allison Roberts, a parent, challenged the school district’s decision to change its traditional rainbow pride flag to an “Intersex-Inclusive Progress” version. This was meant to support racial inclusion and transgender rights. Roberts also objected to an “identity flower” assignment given to students, which asked children to discuss their gender identity.

Finding the school’s response inadequate, Roberts wrote an open letter criticizing the school’s policies. She distributed the letter on public sidewalks near the school. In reaction, the school accused her of harassment and barred her from the campus for one year, preventing her attendance at school events.

Supported by the Liberty Justice Center, Roberts sued the school district. The legal group helped her challenge the ban and the district’s policies. Before a scheduled hearing, Portland Public Schools made several concessions. These included lifting Roberts’ campus ban, allowing her children to opt-out of certain curriculum requirements, and reviewing its policies.

The school district stated their commitment to complying with all laws protecting children. However, they agreed to rescind the trespass order against Roberts in mid-November.

Timothy Snowball, an attorney for Liberty Justice Center, characterized these concessions as a significant victory. He mentioned that the district altered its stance after realizing their actions might be unconstitutional.

Another court hearing on December 1 aims to address district policies that may allow teachers to withhold information from parents. Snowball emphasized that Portland Public Schools initially attempted to silence a parent, but the situation evolved into a victory for parental rights.

Roberts noted widespread community support for her legal efforts. She expressed determination to continue defending parental rights nationwide, stating that her actions are in defense of fundamental parental rights in education.