A federal court’s recent ruling reinstates a Vermont Christian school expelled for prioritizing religious beliefs over a controversial sports policy.
Story Highlights
- Mid-Vermont Christian School (MVCS) was banned for forfeiting a game against a team with a transgender athlete.
- The Vermont Principals’ Association (VPA) enforced the ban, citing inclusion policies.
- A federal appeals court ruled in favor of MVCS, reinstating it to state athletics.
- The ruling underscores ongoing tensions between religious freedom and anti-discrimination policies.
Federal Court Sides with Religious Freedom
In a landmark decision, the Second Circuit Court of Appeals granted an injunction allowing Mid-Vermont Christian School (MVCS) to rejoin state athletics. The school’s ban stemmed from its decision to forfeit a basketball game against a team featuring a transgender athlete, due to concerns over fairness and player safety. The court found that the Vermont Principals’ Association (VPA) likely displayed hostility towards MVCS’s religious beliefs, a significant consideration for the ruling.
This decision marks a significant moment in the ongoing battle between religious liberty and anti-discrimination policies. The case sets a precedent as the first major federal appeals court ruling on a school’s expulsion over transgender participation in sports. Many view this as a victory for religious freedom, emphasizing the importance of allowing schools to act according to their beliefs without facing punitive measures from state bodies.
Background and Key Developments
The controversy began in early 2023 when MVCS forfeited a playoff game due to the presence of a transgender athlete on the opposing team. The VPA reacted by banning the school from all state-sponsored athletics, citing its commitment to inclusion and non-discrimination. However, MVCS argued that this stance infringed upon its religious convictions and compromised player safety. The subsequent legal battle lasted over two years, culminating in the favorable court ruling in September 2025.
Vermont is known for its progressive LGBTQ+ policies, with the VPA reflecting these state values. However, MVCS’s stance highlights the tension between state policies and individual religious beliefs. The school’s supporters, including the Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF), argue that this case underscores the need for legal structures that respect religious freedom while balancing anti-discrimination efforts.
Implications for the Future
This ruling has significant implications for similar cases nationwide, potentially influencing how religious liberty and anti-discrimination laws interact in school sports. The decision may prompt other schools to challenge similar bans, sparking further legal debates. In the short term, MVCS students regain access to state athletics, while in the long term, the case could lead to revised policies across state athletic associations.
The broader impact of this decision extends beyond Vermont, with potential effects on state legislation and national policy debates. As schools, athletic associations, and courts navigate these complex issues, the balance between religious freedom and inclusion remains a contentious topic in American society.
We have a judge with a brain cell. If you have a dick and balls you do not belong on a girls team. Only genetic girls belong on girls team.
Vermont Christian school reinstated after being banned over transgender athlete controversyhttps://t.co/5bjfsFBlyl #LGBTQIA #girlssports— Mark Kim Marion (@swensonmember) September 21, 2025
While the ruling is celebrated by religious liberty advocates, it also raises concerns among LGBTQ+ supporters about the potential erosion of protections for transgender students. This dichotomy highlights the ongoing cultural and legal tensions that continue to define the national discourse on gender identity and religious convictions in the educational context.
