Christian Teacher Suspended for Saying He “Can’t Call a Biological Boy a Girl”—Judge Rules in His Favor

When Virginia P.E. teacher Tanner Cross spoke out against his school district’s proposed “gender-expansive” policy, he did so as a citizen with protected speech rights. That was Tuesday’s ruling from Judge James Plowman Jr., who ordered Loudoun County Public Schools to immediately reinstate Cross.

The district had suspended Cross days after a May 25 board meeting at which the teacher said, “It’s against my religion” to “affirm that a biological boy can be a girl and vice versa.” The suspension, the judge said, was “unnecessary and vindictive.”

Teacher Tanner Cross: ‘I Serve God First’

The policy under discussion would require school staff and students to use a student’s preferred name and pronouns, “regardless of the name and gender recorded in the student’s permanent educational record.”

During the public comment portion of the board meeting, Cross said, “I am speaking out of love for those who suffer with gender dysphoria. I love all of my students, but I will never lie to them, regardless of the consequences.” He added, “I’m a teacher, but I serve God first.” Cross also mentioned a 60 Minutes report about young people who started transitioning but later regretted it.

The school district defended its action, saying the teacher’s comments were disruptive. But according to Tuesday’s ruling, only six parents called the school to complain. Five requested that their students be removed from Cross’ class.

The Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF), which filed the lawsuit on behalf of Cross, calls his reinstatement “a massive victory for freedom of speech.” ADF founder Michael Farris says, “Nobody should be punished for expressing concern about a proposed government policy, especially when the government invites comment on that policy.” He adds, “Educators are just like everybody else. They have ideas and opinions that they should be free to express.”