**A Vermont family triumphs with a $125,000 settlement after facing punishment for opposing a biological male in the girls’ locker room. This win signifies a victory for freedom of speech for all.**
In a victory for free speech, a family received a $125,000 settlement from a Vermont school district after they were disciplined for speaking out against a biological male student using the girls’ locker room, according to the White River Valley Herald. 14-year-old Blake Allen was suspended from school, and her father Travis Allen lost his coaching position at Randolph Union High School as a result of their opposition to the issue.
As part of the settlement agreement, the Allens will have the disciplinary actions removed from their records, Travis will resume his role as a middle school soccer coach, and the district will pay the family and their attorneys $125,000. Phil Sechler, senior counsel at the Alliance Defending Freedom, called this outcome a “resounding victory for freedom of speech.”
The issue began in 2022 when a biological male identifying as transgender entered the girls’ locker room during a volleyball game, making the girls feel uncomfortable and violated. Blake was suspended for two days after referring to the transgender student as a male during a conversation, even though that student was not present at the time. In addition to her suspension, she was required to participate in a “restorative circle” with the school’s Equity Coordinator.
Travis Allen was also suspended without pay from his coaching position after referring to the biological male as male in a Facebook post. Despite their win, the school district has not admitted wrongdoing and maintains that their policies remain unchanged.
**This case is a significant victory for Blake and Travis Allen, as well as for freedom of speech in America. People should not fear retribution for voicing their opinions, and this outcome sends a clear message in support of that right.
