Vermont Christian school appeals sports ban over transgender player controversy

Mid Vermont Christian School, located in Quechee, Vermont, has faced a ban from participating in the state sports league after it withdrew its girls basketball team from a playoff game on February 21, 2023. The school forfeited the game due to a transgender player on the opposing team, citing concerns over fairness and player safety. Following this incident, the Vermont Principals’ Association ruled that the school violated policies regarding race, gender, and disability awareness, leading to its ineligibility for future competitions. The school, represented by Alliance Defending Freedom, has appealed the decision to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit, arguing that the state infringed upon the school’s First Amendment rights. They contend that the school’s actions were in line with its religious beliefs and that no religious institution should be denied access to public benefits based on its beliefs. The association expelled the school from all middle and high school sporting events, applying its policies uniformly without targeting religious organizations. In June, a federal judge denied the school’s request for readmission to the sports association, stating that the state’s policies were applied consistently and did not discriminate against religious groups. The judge noted that the school’s actions were seen as stigmatizing a transgender student, which was a key factor in the disciplinary decision. The school was invited to rejoin the association if it agreed to comply with existing policies and compete against teams with transgender players. Despite this invitation, Mid Vermont Christian School has expressed its intention to continue forfeiting games involving transgender players, seeking readmission under conditions that would protect its right to do so without penalties. This ongoing legal battle highlights the tensions between religious beliefs and policies regarding inclusion in school sports.