Wisconsin parents and students sue school district over gender-neutral bathroom policy
The New Richmond School District in Wisconsin is currently facing legal action from parents and students disputing its gender-neutral bathroom policy. Ella Frey, a senior at the high school, stresses the importance of restrooms being safe and private areas specifically for girls, rather than areas where they might feel vulnerable. Cory Brewer, representing the families through the Wisconsin Institute for Law and Freedom, claims that this policy infringes upon the students’ privacy and dignity.
A federal appeals court has reopened a case initiated by two ex-flight attendants from Alaska Airlines, who alleged that they were terminated for raising religious objections to the airline’s endorsement of the Equality Act, which has allowed their lawsuit regarding religious discrimination to move forward.
The Ninth Circuit’s recent ruling indicates that Lacey Smith and Marli Brown’s accusations against the airline hold enough merit for a jury to further evaluate their claims of being fired due to their religious beliefs.
“The court acknowledged there is substantial evidence of religious discrimination against Marli and Lacey, both from Alaska Airlines and the flight attendant union,” stated Stephanie Taub, a senior attorney at the First Liberty Institute, which represented the plaintiffs in court.
Alaska Airlines declared its support for the proposed Equality Act on its internal employee platform in early 2021. This legislation, which was introduced by then-Speaker Nancy Pelosi, aimed to incorporate sexual orientation and gender identity as protected categories under federal civil rights law, covering employment, housing, and more. It successfully passed in the House of Representatives around February 2021.
Through an online employee discussion, Smith expressed her concern about whether a company could fairly regulate morality. Meanwhile, Brown articulated her sincere belief that the Equality Act could adversely affect women, girls, and individuals of faith. After the airline investigated their comments on this forum, official statements labeled their remarks as “discriminatory,” “hateful,” and “offensive,” ultimately leading to their termination.
Smith remarked that this legal victory isn’t just about her case but also represents others in Alaska facing discrimination due to their religious views. Brown also expressed her gratitude upon reading the Ninth Circuit’s decision, hoping it might spare others from experiencing the same ordeal she did.
Fox News Digital has sought comments from Alaska Airlines regarding this situation.
