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Guardian Of teenagers Who Allegedly harassed his transgender classmate They have raised more than the required $125,000 demanded by a judge, which will enable them to take legal action against the school.
Parents brought the case before a federal judge after two teenage boys were suspended following an incident earlier this year in which they said they were “uncomfortable” with a transgender student in the boys’ locker room.
The boys were suspended from Stone Bridge High School in Virginia for ten days after a student, who was assigned female at birth but identifies as a boy, filmed the boys expressing discomfort as they entered the boys’ locker room. 7news First reported. The incident occurred in March, but the video was made public in May.
School District – Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) – Launched Title IX investigation, In which boys were found responsible for sexual harassment and gender-based discrimination.
Two parents, Seth Wolfe and Rene Smith, have gone public in their fight against the school board, arguing that their sons were simply questioned about why a “female student” was in the boys’ locker room.
Washington Post The tenuous report states that the district says the victim had previously been bullied at school because of his infection.
According to 7News, The suit is being brought on the grounds of religious discrimination, violation of freedom of speech and gender discrimination against boys.
On Friday, October 10, U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema ordered the parents to post a $125,000 bond by close of business on Wednesday, October 15. He said the order was to ensure that if LCPS won the case, LCPS could recover its attorney’s fees from the bond.
The fundraiser surpassed the goal and reached nearly $130,000 as of Thursday afternoon.
On the crowdfunding page, the campaign states: “LCPS has branded two good kids as sexual harassers, issued suspensions, and demanded ‘sensitivity training’ because the boys made private comments objecting to having a girl in their locker room.”
It said: “While this case may be just about two boys, it is about much more than that. It is about fundamental freedoms, privacy and common sense for all families.”
In an update posted Wednesday, the parents said the judge has extended the bond deadline to Friday, Oct. 17.
“The Smith and Wolfe families are overwhelmed with love, prayers and support.”
Speaking to Fox News, Seth Wolfe said: “We’re trying to join this fight and do our best, so we’ve set up a donation page and we’re hoping we can get the community behind us.
“They made it seem as if they were the problem by asking questions about why there was a woman in the boys’ locker room.
He also said that the two boys “were never told by any administration how to describe the gender of this student or how to call her. So to the best of their knowledge this was a female student in their locker room.”
Wolfe also said he is suing LCPS because he does not want his son to be suspended and miss school, and he does not want a Title IX violation to be placed on his son’s permanent record, which he said could affect his college prospects.
“That’s one of our major concerns,” Wolfe said.
In a statement, the school said: “Loudon County Public Schools (LCPS) accepts the court’s decision and will prepare for the next steps in this case. We are committed to fostering a safe, inclusive and respectful learning environment for all students. Harassment, discrimination and bullying of any kind are not tolerated in our schools, and we will continue to uphold the same policies that apply to everyone in our care. Protects the rights, dignity and welfare of the student.”