Over 1,000 Join WoLF Petition in Support of Oregon Educators’ Free Speech
Two Grants Pass educators were placed on administrative leave after speaking out against state and district “gender identity” policies
GRANTS PASS, OR., July 15, 2021 — Over 1,000 individuals have signed a petition by the Women’s Liberation Front (WoLF) expressing their support for two Oregon educators who face a public pre-termination hearing on Thursday amid free speech concerns.
Rachel Damiano, Assistant Principal at North Middle School, and 7th-grade science teacher Katie Medart were placed on administrative leave by the Grants Pass School District 7 in Oregon this April after they began speaking out on their personal platforms in favor of reasonable and compassionate policy solutions to the conflict of rights caused by “gender identity.” The two educators, who seek to promote “reasonable, loving, and tolerant solutions” through their new “I Resolve” Movement, face a public pre-termination hearing on July 15 where the school board will vote on their termination.
As feminists and progressives, WoLF recognizes that free speech, including the ability to openly debate solutions to problems, is the cornerstone of American democracy. Women are disproportionately silenced or punished for opposing regressive gender ideology, including being fired. When done by the state, this is an unconstitutional attack on freedom of speech and belief.
Mary Kate Fain, WoLF Director of Communications, said:
“As a woman who was fired for speaking out against anti-feminist gender ideology, I feel deeply for Rachel, Katie, and their families in this moment. These two educators, who only want what is best for all of their students, were blatantly thrown under the bus by the men in power in Grants Pass who needed a scapegoat to appease a loud, but influential, minority of extremists. I urge the school board to do the right thing and protect free speech.”
The hearing will take place beginning at 3pm PT at the Grants Pass High School Library and on Zoom. Details on attending the hearing can be found here.
Women’s Liberation Front (WoLF) is a national 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to protecting, restoring, and advancing the rights of women and girls.
For media inquiries please contact: media@womensliberationfront.org