Parents of two Virginia boys suspended for questioning a biological female’s presence in the boys’ locker room allege that the Loudoun County Public Schools District failed to provide adequate communication or training on its transgender policy, leading to a Title IX ruling and suspension. The district’s spokesperson, Dan Adams, stated that it has never suspended a student simply because they expressed discomfort, but the parents argue that the boys were never properly informed about the policy or how to address such situations.
The incident came to light when the boys were videotaped by a female who identified as transgender in their locker room, capturing their outward discussions about their discomfort. The parents, Renae Smith and Seth Wolfe, claim that their sons tried to alert administrators about their concerns, but their complaints were ignored. They argue that the district’s lack of preparation for the policy led to confusion and the eventual Title IX ruling against the boys. The district, however, maintains that the suspension was for sexual harassment, and that the boys’ complaints were not the sole reason for their suspension.
Both parents have expressed frustration with the district’s handling of the situation. Smith and Wolfe state that they believe the district has a poor communication strategy and that the boys were never given guidance on how to handle the policy. Smith pointed out that their son was not given any information about how to communicate with the transgender individual, nor were they informed about the appropriate pronouns to use. The parents’ attorney, Josh Hetzler, is now preparing to take legal action against the district, with the intention of exhausting all legal avenues to overturn the ruling.
The case has attracted attention from various legal and advocacy groups, with the parents now partnering with America First Legal to pursue further action. Hetzler expressed concern that the district might not act in the boys’ best interests, noting that they have not done the right thing at any point along the way. The families are determined to ensure that their sons can return to school and that the Title IX ruling is challenged, as they fear it will have long-term effects on their academic futures.
The district’s response to the allegations includes a statement that it has a strong policy against sexual harassment and that the boys’ suspension was justified. However, the parents remain unconvinced, arguing that the district’s handling of the situation has been unfair and lack of communication has led to the ongoing legal battle. As the case continues to unfold, the families and their attorneys are preparing for potential legal action, which could ultimately lead to federal intervention and a public reckoning with the district’s handling of the transgender policy.