Parents sue New Hampshire school district over ban on silent protest during soccer games

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A group of parents and a grandparent are suing a New Hampshire school district for prohibiting their silent protest against a transgender sports policy at high school soccer games. The lawsuit, filed against the Bow School District and its officials, claims the district violated their First Amendment rights after they wore pink wristbands with the letters “XX,” symbolizing support for sex-based rights, in opposition to male athletes participating in female sports.

The plaintiffs—Kyle Fellers, his former father-in-law Eldon Rash, and Anthony and Nicole Foote—say they were banned from school property for their peaceful expression, including no-trespass orders issued to Fellers and Anthony Foote. They are seeking an injunction against the district’s policy, which they argue restricts non-disruptive expression based on audience reaction.

The silent protest followed a federal ruling that allowed two male athletes to compete in girls’ teams under Title IX, sparking controversy. The plaintiffs claim their expression was not disruptive, likening it to other political or social messages often seen at school events. They accuse school officials, including Principal Matt Fisk and Athletic Director Michael Desilets, of treating the school as a “First Amendment free zone,” where certain viewpoints are silenced.

Superintendent Marcy Kelley and other defendants have declined to comment on the lawsuit. The parents argue that their ban is unjust, especially when other spectators are allowed to promote their views openly at school events.