Case proceeds against first grade teacher accused of teaching gender identity against parents' wishe

Publish date: 2024-05-08

PITTSBURGH (TND) — A federal judge in Pennsylvania has denied a school district's motion to dismiss a case brought against them by three parents who allege their six and seven-year-old children’s first-grade teacher has been giving lessons on gender dysphoria and transgender transitioning against their wishes.

U.S. District Court Judge Joy Flowers denied the Mt. Lebanon School District’s motion to dismiss the case against them and the teacher, Megan Williams, on Oct. 27.

The factual allegations in the complaint present plausible claims that Parents have fundamental constitutional rights (pursuant to Substantive and Procedural Due Process under the Fourteenth Amendment and the First Amendment Free Exercise clause) that were violated by a public school teacher, over the Parents’ objections and without notice and opt out rights,” Judge Flowers wrote in her opinion on the motion to dismiss.

Williams allegedly showed her class videos and read them books about transgender topics, parents claim. She also allegedly told kids in her class that their gender might not be what their parents have told them it is, and went as far as to have private conversations with one boy suggesting he may be transgender.

Williams then instructed her students to keep their discussions about these topics a secret from their parents, the complaint against her alleges.

The teacher’s alleged conduct went far beyond instructing a student that someone who differs from that student must be treated with kindness, tolerance and respect.” Judge Flowers added in her opinion.

Even after parents complained to the district, it allegedly adopted a de facto policy that Williams could continue her lessons on gender dysphoria without allowing parents to opt out, according to Flowers.

The Equal Protection and familial privacy claims asserted by the Plaintiffs are plausible, but will benefit from further factual development,” she concluded in her decision to move the case forward.

The Mt. Lebanon School did not have any comment on Judge Flowers’s ruling, but provided The National Desk (TND) with a statement about the lawsuit:

The Mt. Lebanon School District deeply values and appreciates the close partnership we have with our families and strives to be a place where every student feels welcomed, valued, and respected. The complaint filed against the District, its Board, and employees contains various allegations that are untrue or based on partial truths that mischaracterize events for sensational effect. The District looks forward to the opportunity to set the record straight.Although we will not comment further on pending litigation, we refer the community to our Equity Statement: “The Mt. Lebanon School District is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and welcoming school environment that recognizes and celebrates the diverse identities of all members of our school community, including students, their families, faculty, and staff. All students, regardless of background, identity, or ability will be supported to reach their full potential and pursue their unique talents. The District will provide resources in a just and equitable manner and remove barriers to allow students to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally."

Concerned about something in your child's school district? Call or text the national Crisis in the Classroom tip line at 202-417-7273.

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