Indiana School District Settles Lawsuit for $195,000
An Indiana school district has agreed to pay $195,000 in a lawsuit filed by a school counselor who was dismissed for publicly opposing the district’s gender identity policy.
Kathy McCord, a veteran school counselor at Pendleton Heights High School, was terminated after she answered a reporter’s inquiries about the school’s Gender Support Plan. This policy does not mandate that teachers inform parents if a student wishes to change their pronouns or identify differently. The Alliance Defending Freedom filed a lawsuit on McCord’s behalf in 2023.
In a statement, McCord expressed relief that the case was resolved, emphasizing her gratitude that Indiana law requires that parents be notified regarding requests to change their child’s name or pronouns.
The district implemented its gender identity policy in 2021, reportedly without informing the community, which requires teachers to keep students’ gender identities hidden from their parents, according to ADF.
After local journalists uncovered the policy through their investigations, they sought McCord’s confirmation. She felt the need to respond truthfully when questioned about whether the school was withholding information from parents.
The school board decided to fire McCord following the publication of an article that criticized the district’s gender policies.
ADF Senior Counsel Vincent Wagner mentioned that he hopes this settlement encourages other educators to stand up against perceived violations of their constitutional rights.
“Kathy McCord was dismissed for sharing her personal beliefs out of concern for her students,” Wagner stated, adding that parents should be involved in discussions about their children’s challenges regarding gender and sexuality.
McCord herself remarked on the importance of parental involvement, stating that she has dedicated over 37 years to caring for students. She believes no school employee should face termination for voicing personal beliefs that differ from the district’s views.
The South Madison Community School Corporation issued a statement, indicating that the lawsuit from McCord has been resolved. They noted that the court ruled in their favor on most claims, asserting they did not breach her First Amendment rights.
Moreover, the district clarified that the settlement was not an admission of guilt. They expressed that, while they believed they could have won the remaining claim, they chose to settle to avoid further litigation and keep their focus on serving students.
