Officials from the Bow School District in New Hampshire defended their decision to ban two parents from school grounds after they wore pink wristbands marked “XX” during a soccer game featuring a transgender player. The wristbands, seen as a protest against transgender athletes, sparked controversy and legal action.
At a hearing Friday, district leaders argued their actions were necessary to prevent harassment and ensure student safety, while the parents claimed their behavior was a silent expression of their beliefs.
Parents Claim Free Speech, District Cites Harassment Concerns
The parents, Kyle Fellers and Anthony Foote, were barred from attending school events after the September incident. They later sued the district, claiming their right to free speech was violated. While the no-trespass orders have since expired, the parents now seek permission to wear the wristbands and carry signs at future events during the ongoing lawsuit.
Fellers and Foote testified that the wristbands were meant to advocate for restricting girls’ sports to athletes assigned female at birth. “We were there to support our daughters,” Foote said. However, Superintendent Marcy Kelley countered, saying the actions appeared organized and specifically targeted the transgender athlete.
“This was not about general support for girls’ sports,” Kelley said. “If we were to allow harassment, we’re liable.”
Background on the Controversy
The controversy centers on a transgender athlete, Parker Tirrell, who is playing under a court ruling that temporarily blocks a state law banning transgender students in grades 5-12 from participating in sports aligning with their gender identity.
New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu signed the Fairness in Women’s Sports Act into law in July, stating that it ensures “fairness and safety” in athletic competitions. The law is part of a broader movement, with about half of U.S. states adopting similar restrictions.
District Defends Preemptive Action
Bow High School Athletic Director Michael Desiletes testified that emails and social media posts from Foote raised concerns of escalation. He pointed to a post urging others to attend the game and another parent’s report of discussions about heckling the transgender player.
“When we suspect there’s some sort of threat … we don’t wait for it to happen,” Kelley explained, likening the situation to preventing a fight between students based on credible warnings.
Legal Implications and Next Steps
The parents’ lawsuit argues that the district’s actions violate their constitutional rights. Their attorneys maintain that silent, non-disruptive expression does not constitute harassment.
The district, however, contends that allowing such protests creates a hostile environment, particularly when targeted at specific individuals.
A judge is expected to rule soon on whether the parents can display the wristbands or signs at upcoming school events while the case proceeds. The outcome could set a precedent for balancing free speech with anti-harassment policies in schools.