A small Christian school in Vermont just scored a major win against what many see as an overreaching state bureaucracy.
Breitbart reported that Mid Vermont Christian School, previously banned from state-sponsored competitions for standing by its beliefs, has been granted a lifeline by a federal appeals court. This ruling is a rallying cry for those who feel religious freedom is under siege in today’s cultural climate.
The court’s decision temporarily halts the expulsion of Mid Vermont Christian School by the Vermont Principals’ Association (VPA) while legal battles continue.
Let’s rewind to February 2023, when this controversy first tipped off. The school’s girls basketball team forfeited a playoff game against Long Trail School upon learning that a transgender-identifying male student was on the opposing roster.
School officials cited concerns over fairness and safety for their female athletes, a stance that many parents and coaches across the country quietly nod to.
Fast forward a few weeks, and the VPA didn’t just slap the school on the wrist—they threw the book at them. Mid Vermont was expelled from all state-sponsored sports and even non-athletic events like science fairs and spelling bees. Talk about a full-court press against a school daring to stick to its convictions.
The school’s athletes paid a steep price for this decision. They were forced to drive hours to neighboring states just to compete in a Christian league, losing exposure and potential scholarship opportunities in the process. For a small school, that’s not just a setback—it’s a gut punch to the kids’ futures.
Enter the Alliance Defending Freedom, a legal group that stepped in to challenge the state’s actions. They filed a lawsuit alleging that Vermont officials punished the school for exercising its First Amendment right to religious liberty. It’s a classic clash: faith versus a progressive agenda that some argue leaves little room for dissent.
The VPA wasn’t shy about their disdain for the school’s decision. Executive Director Jay Nichols called it “blatant discrimination” masked as religious freedom, a comment that critics might say drips with bias against faith-based perspectives. But let’s be real—labeling a school’s deeply held beliefs as mere bigotry doesn’t exactly scream open-mindedness.
The VPA Appeals Committee doubled down, claiming it’s a “myth” that transgender students pose safety risks or create unfair competition in sports.
While their intent may be to promote inclusion, many argue this dismisses legitimate concerns about biological differences in athletics. It’s a debate that’s far from settled, no matter how confidently the VPA frames it.
Head Coach Chris Goodwin offered a heartfelt take on the school’s stance, rooted in Scripture. “It’s clear in Scripture that there is a difference between males and females,” he said. Many in conservative circles would agree that forcing a school to contradict its core beliefs is a step too far.
Goodwin also lamented the toll on his players, noting the broader impact of the VPA’s ban. “Athletics in high school and junior high is a really big part of the overall educational experience,” he said. “So for that to be taken away from the kids was very disappointing.”
He continued, highlighting the lost chances for recognition. “For them to lose out on opportunities to be recognized in the state as all-state athletes or all-conference athletes and also have the possibility of receiving scholarships is a big deal,” Goodwin added. It’s hard not to feel for these students, caught in a cultural tug-of-war they didn’t start.
The federal appeals court’s recent order offers a glimmer of hope for Mid Vermont. Judges found the school likely to succeed on its Free Exercise claim, pointing to the VPA’s apparent hostility toward the school’s religious views.
This isn’t just a legal win—it’s a signal that faith-based institutions might still have a fighting chance against state overreach. While the preliminary injunction blocks the VPA’s expulsion for now, the litigation is ongoing.
This case could set a precedent for how far states can go in penalizing schools for adhering to their beliefs. It’s a high-stakes showdown worth watching. For now, Mid Vermont’s students and families can breathe a little easier, knowing their school isn’t sidelined indefinitely.
The court’s decision pushes back against what many see as a one-size-fits-all approach to complex issues like sports and gender identity. It’s a reminder that fairness isn’t just about inclusion—it’s also about respecting deeply held convictions.