Portland mother Allison Roberts has filed a lawsuit against Portland Public Schools and Meriwether Lewis Elementary School, alleging retaliation after she voiced concerns about the school's gender curriculum. The lawsuit, filed by the Liberty Justice Center, claims Roberts' First and Fourteenth Amendment rights were violated.
Roberts initially expressed opposition to the school repainting its traditional rainbow pride flag to an "Intersex-Inclusive Progress" variant, which she stated promoted values contradictory to her Christian faith due to its inclusion of transgender ideology. She also raised concerns about an "identity flower" assignment given to her 11-year-old child, which required students to discuss their gender identity with classmates and teachers without prior parental notification.
Following an exchange with another parent, Roberts was issued a one-year trespass order. The school cited "harassment, intimidation, and threatening behavior" as the reason for the ban, which prevented her from attending school events, including her child's graduation ceremony.
The Liberty Justice Center argues that the school's actions constitute unconstitutional retaliation against Roberts' speech. The organization is seeking a federal court declaration that the school's actions and policies targeting Roberts are unconstitutional, along with an injunction against these policies. Timothy R. Snowball, senior counsel at the Liberty Justice Center, stated that a motion for a preliminary injunction will be filed to halt the policies while the case proceeds, aiming to protect the rights of Roberts and other families in Portland.
Portland Public Schools declined to comment on the ongoing case. Roberts reported receiving widespread support from her local community and parents nationwide, stating she feels bringing the suit is the right course of action for her family and others across the country.