Court Rules in Favor of Vermont Christian Schools

The federal appeals court has sided with Vermont Christian schools, allowing them to participate in school competitions after state officials decided not to include teams with transgender-identifying athletes.

On September 9, the U.S. Second Circuit Court of Appeals overturned an earlier ruling, granting a preliminary injunction to Mid Vermont Christian School. This ruling prevents the school from being expelled by the Vermont Principal Association (VPA) while the case is ongoing. The judge indicated that the school had a “highly likely” chance of succeeding with its claims regarding free expression, noting that the VPA’s actions showed a lack of respect for the school’s religious beliefs.

Back in February 2023, the Mid Vermont women’s basketball team opted out of a playoff game against Long Trail School upon discovering that there were transgender-identifying male students on the opposing team. Officials from Mid Vermont expressed worries about fairness and safety for female athletes in that decision.

Shortly after this incident, the VPA banned Christian schools from all state-sponsored sports, extending beyond athletics to cover events like science fairs and spelling bees.

In response, the Alliance Defending Freedom filed a lawsuit against state authorities on behalf of the Christian schools and some of their families, arguing that state officials were penalizing them for exercising their religious rights.

According to court records, VPA’s executive director, Jay Nichols, condemned the school’s decision, calling it “blatant discrimination under the guise of religious freedom” just two days after the basketball match was called off. Furthermore, the VPA’s appeals committee dismissed concerns about school safety, labeling them as “myths” and disapproving of the religious objection.

In their statement, the committee claimed that trans students do not pose a risk in sports and do not create unfair competition.

Coach Chris Goodwin, who has been in his role for nearly a decade and whose daughter plays on the team, maintained that the school’s decisions are strict yet necessary. He noted, “It’s clear in the Bible that there’s a difference between men and women, so agreeing to play means endorsing the state’s belief that boys can be girls.”

Goodwin also mentioned that following the VPA’s decision, his team has had to compete in a Christian League in neighboring states, causing missed exposure and scholarship possibilities for the athletes.

He expressed concern, saying, “High school and middle school athletics are a vital part of the educational experience. It’s unfortunate that this opportunity has been taken away from the kids, denying them recognition and potential scholarships.”

David Cortman, a senior adviser at Alliance Defending Freedom, indicated that the Second Circuit’s ruling could set a precedent for other religious schools in similar situations. He argued that forcing schools to sacrifice their athletic programs over their religious beliefs was inappropriate and expressed optimism about the school’s eventual return to all athletics.

Jim Nichols stated that the association hasn’t commented on ongoing legal matters but emphasized that it does not discriminate based on religious beliefs.