Virginia's Loudoun County to appeal court decision reinstating teacher who spoke out against gender policies

Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) in Virginia said Friday that it intended to appeal a federal judge's order that the district reinstate Tanner Cross, the physical education teacher who was suspended after making controversial comments about gender.

"LCPS respectfully disagrees with the Circuit Court’s decision to issue the injunction, and it is appealing this ruling to the Supreme Court of Virginia," the statement read. "Leesburg Elementary School and Loudoun County Public Schools experienced – and continue to experience – significant disruption since the May 25 School Board meeting during which Cross addressed the board. Many students and parents at Leesburg Elementary have expressed fear, hurt and disappointment about coming to school. Addressing those concerns is paramount to the school division's goal to provide a safe, welcoming, and affirming learning environment for all students. While LCPS respects the rights of public-school employees to free speech and free exercise of religion, those rights do not outweigh the rights of students to be educated in a supportive and nurturing environment."