Track Coach Files Lawsuit Against Oregon School District Over Transgender Athlete Division

Lake Oswego High School has terminated the employment of coach Parks after he publicly challenged state regulations concerning transgender athletes. Parks expressed his concerns in a letter to state officials, arguing that the current policies unfairly impact girls' sports by allowing transgender athletes who have undergone puberty to compete against cisgender girls, thus gaining a physical advantage due to higher testosterone levels. In an interview with Fox News Digital, Parks maintained that he did not believe he had acted improperly. He emphasized the importance of fair competition in sports, stating that the existing policies should be reevaluated to ensure that all athletes are celebrated for their achievements rather than facing criticism. Parks also reached out to state legislators, asserting that the current laws do a disservice to female athletes. Despite his dismissal, Parks reported that many coaches within the Lake Oswego district continue to support him, expressing their frustration over the decision to fire him. He described his reaction to the termination as one of shock, indicating that the support from his colleagues has only intensified in light of the situation. The controversy surrounding Parks' termination highlights the ongoing debate over the inclusion of transgender athletes in competitive sports, particularly at the high school level, where concerns about fairness and equity continue to provoke strong opinions on both sides of the issue.