Attorneys representing John Parks, a former track and field coach at Lake Oswego High School in Oregon, have filed a lawsuit against the Lake Oswego School District and the Lake Oswego School Board. Parks was terminated from his position after he raised concerns about laws related to transgender athletes.
In a statement obtained by Fox News Digital, the Liberty Justice Center announced that they have filed a First Amendment lawsuit on behalf of Parks. The lawsuit alleges that Parks was fired for proposing an open division for transgender athletes to compete in, in order to ensure fairness for all student athletes.
Parks recently appeared on OutKick’s “Gaines for Girls” podcast, where he discussed the challenges faced by his athletes leading up to a race where a biological male runner who identified as female competed. The situation caused distress for both the athletes and their parents, who were hesitant to speak out despite their concerns.
Prior to being fired, Parks had sent letters to state officials, including a high-ranking official at the Oregon Student Activities Association and State Sen. Rob Wagner. In these letters, Parks argued that current state laws regarding transgender athletes put female athletes at a disadvantage and suggested the creation of an open division for fair competition.
Despite advocating for fair competition and recognizing the rights of transgender athletes, Parks emphasized that he was not calling for the exclusion of transgender individuals from sports. He proposed an open division where transgender athletes could compete separately, allowing fans to support and acknowledge their efforts while ensuring a level playing field for naturally born female athletes.
The Lake Oswego School District has confirmed that Parks is no longer employed by the district but declined to provide specific details regarding his termination. The district’s director of communications, Mary Kay Larson, stated that they do not discuss personnel matters publicly.
Parks’ lawsuit raises important questions about the intersection of transgender rights and fair competition in sports. As discussions around transgender athletes continue to evolve, it is crucial to find a balanced approach that respects the rights of all individuals involved while maintaining the integrity of sports competitions.