News

Judge dismisses lawsuit by mother who said school hid teen’s gender expression

Judge dismisses lawsuit by mother who said school hid teen’s gender expression

Photo: 560 WGAN Newsradio/The Maine Wire


PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit brought by a Maine woman who accused school officials of encouraging her teen’s gender expression by providing a chest binder and using a new name and pronouns, without consulting parents.

U.S. District Judge Jon Levy acknowledged his decision that a mother such as Amber Lavigne “might expect school officials to keep her informed about how her child is navigating matters related to gender identity” but he concluded that she failed to establish legal claims for which the school district could be held liable.

The lawsuit filed last year was the latest to weigh a minor’s right to privacy when confiding in a mental health professional against a parent’s right to supervise their children’s health and education.

According to the lawsuit, a school counselor provided the chest binder and instruction on how to use it. The mother, who has since begun home-schooling her teen, said the school also began calling the 13-year-old by a different name and pronouns.

The lawsuit contended the mother had a “right to control and direct the care, custody, education, upbringing and healthcare decisions of her children,” and that Great Salt Bay Community School in Damariscotta violated her constitutional right by keeping the student’s gender expression from parents.

The judge previously dismissed claims against individual school officials. The remaining claim against the school board was dismissed by the judge in his May 3 order.

Latest Headlines

8 hours ago in Local

Two Union Agreements at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Reportedly Terminated

The campaign of Secretary of State Shenna Bellows says the President should reverse course.

9 hours ago in Local

Motorcyclist Dead in I-95 Crash in Kennebec County

Anyone with information related to the crash is asked to contact Maine State Police

17 hours ago in Local

Stabbing incident in downtown Portland leads to hospitalization, arrest

Police have arrested 44-year-old Stephanie Vierkant, who's currently unhoused, on charges of domestic violence aggravated assault.

3 days ago in Local

Otisfield man charged with making bomb threat toward elementary school

A man from Otisfield is accused of making a bomb threat directed at a local elementary school.

3 days ago in Local

Central Maine Power’s rate change request met with criticism from public advocate

Central Maine Power is again requesting a rate change after its previous request was turned down by regulators.