**Oregon School District Pays $650,000 in Settlement Over Teachers Punished for Opposing Transgender Policy**
An Oregon school district has agreed to pay $650,000 to settle with two educators who were punished—and ultimately fired—for speaking out against the district’s adoption of gender identity policies. The educators claimed their First Amendment rights were violated when they expressed concerns over the “transgender agenda” being promoted in schools.
**Teachers Speak Out**
Katie Medart and Rachel Sager, both educators in Grants Pass, Oregon, launched a grassroots movement called “I Resolve.” Their goal was to advocate for alternative policies regarding gender identity education. These alternatives would allow teachers to uphold their religious beliefs while still teaching and respect the rights of parents to know what their children are learning in school.
Medart and Sager posted a video on their own website, promoting their beliefs and proposals. In response, officials from Grants Pass School District 7 suspended them and eventually fired them.
**Legal Action and Settlement**
Backed by the Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) and the Pacific Justice Institute, Medart and Sager filed a lawsuit against the school district. They alleged violations of their free speech, religious freedom, and equal protection rights.
“Educators are free to express opinions on fundamental issues of public concern—like gender identity education policy—that implicate the freedoms of teachers, parents, and students,” stated Mathew Hoffman of ADF. “The Grants Pass School District is taking the right step by acknowledging that teachers don’t give up their First Amendment rights when they set foot on school property. Public schools can’t retaliate against speech simply because they disagree with what’s said.”
Sager served as assistant principal and Medart taught science at North Middle School in Grants Pass. Both had years of experience in the education field.
**Settlement Details**
After a lengthy legal process, including a significant ruling from the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals that favored the teachers and ordered a trial, the school district decided to settle. The $650,000 agreement covers damages and attorneys’ fees.
As part of the settlement, the school district will:
– Issue a public statement acknowledging that the teachers’ termination was wrongful and below district standards.
– Provide positive letters of recommendation for Medart and Sager.
– Revise district policies to ensure compliance with First Amendment rights.
This settlement allows the district to avoid a trial and signals a commitment to upholding the free speech rights of educators.
**2 Educators Fired for Opposing Transgender Advocacy in Schools**
https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2025/11/free-express-opinions-oregon-district-pays-650000-settle/
About the Author
