Oregon Educators Settle Lawsuit Over Gender Identity Policy

An Oregon school district has agreed to pay $650,000 to settle a lawsuit involving two educators who were dismissed for advocating their gender identity policy proposals.

Rachel Sager, the former principal of North Middle School, along with Katie Medart, a former health sciences teacher, filed a lawsuit against Grants Pass School District 7 in 2021. They claimed that their jobs were jeopardized for expressing their views on gender identity education.

As detailed in the complaint, the educators initiated a grassroots campaign dubbed “I Resolve,” which featured a video and website outlining their approach to gender identity policy. They characterized it as “rational, loving, and tolerant,” aimed at respecting everyone’s rights.

According to the complaint, Sager shared a link to the “I Resolve” site through her school email. Subsequent to their complaints, the school district conducted an independent investigation, concluding that the two had breached various policies. The findings included claims of using district resources for political campaigning and inappropriate use of time during work hours.

Both educators were initially let go, though they were later reinstated in positions with limited responsibilities. They filed claims related to First Amendment rights, equal protection, and retaliation against the school district. After an unfavorable ruling from the district court, they appealed, and the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals recently sided partially with them, sending the case back to trial. Eventually, the parties reached a settlement.

The settlement included the $650,000 payment to cover damages and legal fees. The school district recognized that its handling of the situation fell short of its obligations, issued positive recommendations for both educators, and made necessary policy amendments to align with First Amendment rights.

In a prior opinion piece for Fox News, Sager and Medart explained that they had not named specific schools in the “I Resolve” materials, asserting that their efforts aimed for inclusivity in discussions surrounding gender identity in education. They expressed concerns about parents being excluded and teachers allegedly being compelled to compromise their principles.

Represented by the Alliance Defending Freedom and the Pacific Justice Institute, the educators emphasized their rights to express opinions on critical public issues, including education policies on gender identity. ADF’s general counsel stated that public schools cannot retaliate against educators for viewpoints they do not agree with.

The Grants Pass School District acknowledged the need for an improved approach, affirming that educators have the right to voice their opinions as private citizens. The district took measures to revise policies and enhanced facilities to support gender-neutral options.

As per the terms of the settlement, Sager has left the school district to protect her professional future, while Medart transitioned to an online school before resigning.