Federal Judge Upholds Bow School District's Ban on Parent Protest Wristbands

A federal judge ruled against a group of Bow, New Hampshire parents who claimed their First Amendment rights were violated when the local school district barred them from wearing pink wristbands with 'XX' symbols to protest transgender athletes competing in girls’ sports. The court determined the district acted reasonably, finding that the symbols could be perceived as demeaning or harassing and might 'poison the educational atmosphere' at school events. While the parents argued their intentions were to support reserving girls’ sports for those assigned female at birth, the judge emphasized that the broader impact of their protest was at issue. The order clarified that while the parents may display their symbols in public forums, such displays could be restricted at school-sponsored activities. The Department of Justice has indicated it will review the case, with federal officials calling the ruling unconstitutional and expressing support for the parents’ right to free speech. Attorneys for the parents welcomed the federal scrutiny and plan to continue their legal fight.