Oregon Coach Sues Over Transgender Athlete Policy

John Parks, a former track and field coach at Lake Oswego High School, has filed a First Amendment lawsuit against the Lake Oswego School District after being terminated for advocating changes to policies regarding transgender athletes. Parks proposed creating an open division for transgender athletes to ensure fairness in female sports, which led to his firing on the grounds of violating the district’s non-discrimination and anti-harassment policies. He contends that his dismissal was a retaliatory act against his free speech and due process rights. Parks, supported by the Liberty Justice Center, seeks monetary damages, reinstatement of his position, and a declaration of the violation of his constitutional rights. The controversy centers on the participation of transgender athletes like Aayden Gallagher in female sports events, which Parks and others argue provides an unfair advantage due to physical differences. The case highlights ongoing national debates over transgender participation in athletics and the balance between inclusivity and competitive fairness.