Settlement Reached in Free Speech Lawsuit Involving Oregon Athletes

Former Oregon high school athletes Alexa Anderson and Reece Eckerd have come to a settlement with the Oregon School Activities Association (OSAA) regarding a lawsuit that claimed violations of free speech rights.

In late May, during the state championships, Anderson and Eckerd stepped off the medal podium to protest the inclusion of transgender athletes, asserting they were removed from the podium photo and denied their medals as a result.

Anderson recounted, “After the medal ceremony, we asked an official if we would receive our medals, and she said they would be sent to our school. They never arrived.”

The pair filed a lawsuit in July, contending that their medals were instead sent to their legal representation, the America First Policy Institute (AFPI).

Last month, U.S. District Judge Yury Yim Yu rejected OSAA’s attempt to dismiss part of the lawsuit, which questioned the league’s stance on political expressions, citing examples like Black Lives Matter and pro-LGBTQ messages that were central to the plaintiffs’ case.

On Tuesday, attorneys from AFPI and OSAA reached a mutual agreement to dismiss the lawsuit. However, separate legal actions concerning Title IX violations continue.

According to court documents, “Plaintiffs’ attorneys Alexa Anderson and Reece Eckerd certified they conferred with OSAA’s attorneys concerning this motion to dismiss, and the defendants do not oppose it.”

Andrew Gimmitti, AFPI’s litigation director, stated that the lawsuit successfully brought attention to the treatment of Anderson, Eckerd, and other students at Oregon State who shared similar viewpoints. “This lawsuit did exactly what needed to be done,” he commented, emphasizing the need to protect young women and highlight the backlash they faced for speaking out.

“We spoke out because what was happening was unfair,” Anderson remarked. “AFPI has supported us from the start, ensuring our stories were heard and advocating for women’s sports.”

Eckerd added, “It’s crucial for everyone to feel they can voice their opinions at school. It was distressing that a school event tried to silence us.”

Both athletes were honored at the 2025 Fox Nation Patriot Awards for their advocacy and legal efforts, receiving the Most Outstanding Patriot award along with their state championship medals.

Reflecting on the experience, Anderson expressed frustration at not receiving the medals at that time, acknowledging, “I know I worked hard, but I also realized this was part of the sacrifice when I stepped off the podium.”