Portland Public Schools (PPS) has revoked a trespass order issued against an Oregon mother who had voiced opposition to the district's gender-related curriculum, according to the legal organization representing her.
Allison Roberts initiated legal action against Portland Public Schools in August. Her concerns originated last year when Meriwether Lewis Elementary School altered its traditional rainbow pride flag to an "Intersex-Inclusive Progress" variant, intended to symbolize support for racial inclusion and transgender rights.
Roberts also discovered an "identity flower" assignment given to her 11-year-old child. This assignment prompted students to explore and discuss their gender identity with classmates and educators. After what she deemed an inadequate response from the school, Roberts penned an open letter criticizing the school's policies and distributed it on a public sidewalk adjacent to school property.
Subsequently, the school accused Roberts of "harassment, intimidation, and threatening behavior," characterizing her actions as part of a pattern of "animus and harassment targeting vulnerable members of [the] community." The district then imposed a one-year trespass order, preventing her from attending school events, including her child's graduation ceremony.
District Reverses Course After Lawsuit
The Liberty Justice Center, which represented Roberts, announced that Portland Public Schools agreed to several concessions ahead of a scheduled hearing for Roberts’ motion for a preliminary injunction. These agreements included lifting her campus ban, providing exemptions for her children from specific LGBTQ2SIA+-related curriculum requirements, and reviewing its non-discrimination and anti-harassment policies.
In response to the settlement, the district released a statement:
"PPS has and will continue to comply with all laws that serve and protect children."
Matt Snowball, an attorney with the Liberty Justice Center, commented on the timing of the district's change of heart.
"The timing of this settlement is not a coincidence. Only two days before the negotiations started, the district was set on fighting Allison Roberts. But after an hour or two with a federal judge explaining to them why their conduct was unconstitutional, they immediately changed their plans."
Snowball added, "Just goes to show that the students aren’t the only ones in Portland who need an education on basic civics."
Ongoing Legal Battles for Transparency
Another hearing concerning the district's policies is scheduled for December 1. This session will specifically address policies that Snowball claims permit teachers to withhold information from parents.
In a separate statement, Snowball reiterated the significance of the outcome:
"Portland Public Schools tried to silence a mother who dared to question what was happening in her children’s school. Now the district has agreed to withdraw its warning, rescind its campus ban, and recognize her right to speak freely."
"This is a major victory, not just for Allison Roberts, but for every parent who has been told to stay quiet and leave these decisions to school officials," the statement continued. "But the fight is not over. The district continues to defend policies that allow school officials, under certain circumstances, to withhold important information from parents about their own children."
Snowball concluded by emphasizing the fundamental right of parents:
"Parents have the fundamental right to direct their children’s upbringing and education. We intend to keep fighting until those rights are protected."
Roberts expressed her appreciation for the support she has received.
"It has been heartening to see the outpouring of support from my local Portland community, and from parents and grandparents across the country. I never wanted things to get to this point. But knowing that I'm fighting this battle not just for my family, but for millions of American families, reassures me that bringing this suit is the right thing to do."
