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

PORTLAND, Maine – A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit filed by a Maine woman who accused school officials of encouraging her teenage son’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 in his ruling that a mother like Amber Lavigne “could expect school officials to keep her informed about how her child is dealing with issues related to gender identity,” but concluded that she did not managed 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 trusting 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 folder and instructions on how to use it. The mother, who has since started homeschooling her teenage son, said the school also started calling her 13-year-old son by a different name and pronouns.

The suit alleged that the mother had the “right to control and direct the care, custody, education, education and health care decisions of her children,” and that Great Salt Bay Community School in Damariscotta violated her constitutional right by maintaining gender expression of the student away from their parents. .

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