In this amicus brief filed in Vitsaxaki v. Skaneateles Central School District, the NC Values Institute argues that the district’s policy compelling the use of students’ preferred names and pronouns—without parental knowledge or consent—violates the First Amendment and parental rights. The brief explains that this policy mandates school staff and students to affirm a controversial ideology about gender identity, which many individuals reject based on deeply held religious and moral convictions. The amici argue that this amounts to compelled speech and viewpoint discrimination, which are among the most serious violations of free speech protections under U.S. law.
The brief warns that such policies do more than promote tolerance—they effectively coerce individuals to speak in ways that contradict their conscience and religious beliefs, undermining intellectual freedom and personal integrity. It draws from landmark Supreme Court precedents (Barnette, Wooley, NIFLA) to argue that public schools cannot require students, teachers, or staff to affirm a state-approved ideology. The amici urge the court to reverse the district court’s decision, emphasizing that a pluralistic, democratic society must protect diverse views—not impose orthodoxy through speech mandates.
