A federal judge in Maine has dismissed a lawsuit brought by a mother against a school district, alleging that school officials encouraged her teen's gender expression without consulting parents. The judge, Jon Levy, acknowledged the mother's expectation to be informed about her child's gender identity matters but ultimately ruled that she failed to establish legal claims against the school district.
The lawsuit, filed last year, raised questions about a minor's right to privacy when discussing gender identity with mental health professionals versus a parent's right to oversee their child's health and education. The mother claimed that a school counselor provided her teen with a chest binder and guidance on its use, as well as began using a different name and pronouns for the 13-year-old.
The lawsuit argued that the mother has the right to make decisions regarding her child's care, custody, education, and healthcare, and accused the school of violating her constitutional rights by not involving parents in the student's gender expression. While claims against individual school officials were previously dismissed, the judge's recent ruling on May 3 also dismissed the remaining claim against the school board.
As a result of this legal battle, the teen is now being homeschooled by the mother. The case highlights the complex intersection of parental rights, student privacy, and school responsibilities when it comes to matters of gender identity within educational settings.
